So, What IS Frogwood?
The concept of Frogwood is simple. Pull together a diverse group of artists in an environment that gives them freedom to think outside of their boxes – artists are good at that – and something interesting is bound to happen. Make the venue a summer camp setting, complete with two creeks, groves of trees, a pond, a first class dining facility, topped by fully equipped shop and workspaces. The possibilities are endless.
Frogwood is a five day artists’ collaborative, held biennially in Colton, Oregon. About fifty artists, from all around the world, representing a wide variety of media, gather for six nights and five days of flat-out creativity.
The event kicks off with artists sharing ideas about explorations they would like to make in various media while finding others with whom to make creative connections. In any given year, these connections span hammered metals, iron work, lapidary, fibers, jewelry, painting, bookbinding, paper, fused glass and bronze casting, to say nothing of wood carving, turnery, and joinery.
Apply to participate
Frogwood is an invitational event primarily for actively practicing artists and instructors, as well as students in academic programs in the arts. We encourage interested applicants to contact us for further information or to be considered for an invite. We want to assure that each participant will gain maximum benefit from the experience.
After arrival on Sunday afternoon participants open up boxes and pick-up trucks full of materials and oddments they have collected, ranging from turning scraps to 16’ planks of lumber, to sheet copper, iron, and hardware, to glass, stone, fibers, and plastics. Each participant unpacks the collection of tools and equipment they have brought along, and the explorations begin. Over the next 5 days, the artists work in pairs, trios, and groups, brainstorming ideas, then using skilled hands and minds to merge their ideas and create significant art pieces. A single thematic piece with contributions from each participating artist is also completed during the event. Wood turners polish semi-precious stone, coppersmiths relief-carve in wood, weavers raise copper, while jewelers turn hollow forms. From every corner of the Frogwood venue comes the hum of lathes, torches, hammers, mallets, lapidary equipment, sand blasters, welders, and engaging conversation. The finished pieces are sold at the annual Frogwood Auction, proceeds from which are used to fund educational opportunity grants for artists as well as future Frogwood gatherings.
“I keep coming back to this one because really good things happen for everyone here.”
Central to the Frogwood concept is that accomplished, internationally known artists anchor it. Among others, Kristin Shiga, Greg Wilbur, Michael de Forest, Christian Burchard and Kristy Kun are regular attendees, as are architects, educators, engineers, doctors, and photographers who anchor their professional lives with fine art practice. Participants leave with new friends, new skills, and elevated creative energy. Many return year after year. In the words of Graeme Priddle, “I keep coming back to this one because really good things happen for everyone here.”