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Ready for a quick art-filled field trip? You don’t have to go far—just head to 101 Israel Road SE, right at the intersection of Israel Road and Capitol Boulevard SE in Tumwater.
One of my favorite hidden gems is tucked away behind the Vital Records building. To find it, park in the lot just east of the building and follow the breezeway to the courtyard on the south side. That’s where the magic happens—you’ll discover whimsical bronze frogs, sculptural rock chairs, and elegant wind sculptures.
The large bronze frogs (each weighing around 300 pounds) were created by Arizona artist Kim Kori. In Spellbound, a frog sits dreamily, hands clasped, imagining a kiss that might turn him back into a prince. In The Kiss, another frog puckers up and blows a kiss your way.
Take your time exploring. Rest on one of the courtyard benches—or get adventurous and try out one of the surprisingly comfy rock chairs (yes, real rock!).
Don’t stop there. This area is packed with public art just steps away. A block east on Israel Road, you’ll find a serene mare and foal. On the northeast corner of the main intersection, Mark Twain relaxes on a bench—go ahead, sit next to him and peek at what he’s reading. Just south of that, a bronco is mid-buck, trying to shake a determined cowboy. And a little farther down Capitol, a joyful group of kids and a dog leap from rock to rock.
It’s a treasure trove of art in a compact space—go explore and enjoy!
Karen L. Johnson
Curator, Schmidt House
Karen@olytumfoundation.org
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