Kure Beach, NC - Get a close-up look at amphibians without even lifting a lily pad at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Aquarium recently debuted the “Year of the Frog” Art Exhibit, featuring the work of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI), Carolinas Chapter. 

Part of the Aquarium’s larger “Year of the Frog” campaign, the exhibit strives to increase awareness about the plight of the world’s rapidly diminishing amphibian species. The display includes watercolor, colored-pencil, egg tempera and paper sculpture works that showcase the breadth and beauty of North Carolina’s native amphibians, from tiger salamanders to bullfrogs.

“People rarely see some of these animals in the wild,” said Aquarium Exhibits Curator David Barney. “This is a chance to see their details up close and appreciate how weird and wonderful they are.”

GNSI is comprised of scientific illustrators, amateur artists, students and botanical and wildlife artists. The art exhibit is free with admission or membership. In addition to the art, visitors also can check out the Aquarium’s newest amphibians—poison dart frogs, and pose for a picture with a larger-than-life bullfrog in the garden. 

N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Regular admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors; $6 ages 6-17. Free admission for: children under 6; registered groups of N.C. school children, and NC Aquarium Society members. General information: www.ncaquariums.com.

N.C. Aquariums are accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA and its more than 200 members work together to build North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement, by engaging and inspiring 143 million visitors and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.