[CPProt.net] Lafayette frog art vandalized

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Lafayette frog art vandalized

May 18, 2005

Associated Press

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - An elaborate security system did not stop someone from
damaging a large fiberglass frog, part of a street art display called Frog
Follies.

"We're just sick, disappointed and upset - mad that people could have such a
disregard for the art and hard work that goes into the creation," said Jill
Mansilla, who spent several months designing the vandalized frog, called
Running of the Bullfrogs.

The left horn of the frog, which sits outside a Lafayette parking garage,
was ripped from its head in the first days after the display was installed
over the weekend.

Mansilla was confident the horn on her frog was not torn off by accident.
The horn was securely bolted from inside and glued onto the fiberglass
statue, she said.

"They really had to put some force behind it," Mansilla said.

Police officers were attempting to protect the human-sized frogs from
vandalism, Deputy Police Chief John Dennis said. A similar public art
display of hogs two years ago was plagued with instances of theft and
vandalism.

Each of the 67 frogs was secured to a 350-pound concrete base and was
equipped with a sensor that activates an alarm when strong force is applied
or when contact with the base is broken, he said.

Each frog has an individual unit number that will alert officers to the
specific location of any alarms, Dennis said. The alarm for Mansilla's frog
did not activate when it was damaged.

As part of the fundraising exhibition, the frogs will be on display through
Labor Day at locations in Lafayette and West Lafayette.