Erie’s Iconic Fish and Frogs: A Public Art Legacy That Leaped to Life
If you've ever wandered the streets of downtown Erie or walked across Gannon University's campus, you’ve probably noticed something a little unexpected—giant fish and frog sculptures painted in bold colors, dressed in tuxedos, or sparkling in metallic finishes. These playful statues have become landmarks in the city, but their origin story might surprise you.
It all started with a walk through Chicago in the summer of 1999.
From Cows to Cosmic Fish
Susan Black-Keim, then an administrator at Gannon University, was visiting Chicago when she discovered a public art exhibition called Cows on Parade. The project featured hundreds of life-sized fiberglass cows, each painted by different artists and displayed throughout the city. She was inspired by how art could transform a public space and bring a community together.
Coincidentally, that same summer, local Erie artist David Seitzinger and his son, David Jr., were also in Chicago, admiring the same exhibit. None of them knew at the time that their shared experience would lead to one of Erie’s most recognizable public art projects.
Back in Erie, they connected and began developing an idea of their own. Instead of cows, they imagined fish—uniquely Erie and a nod to the region’s connection to Lake Erie. Seitzinger sketched out concepts, and the project quickly gained traction with support from local artists, businesses, and sponsors.
Bringing the Fish to Life
Two designs were chosen: one horizontal and one vertical. Artists throughout the community were invited to participate, but there were more creative minds than there were fish. “There weren’t enough fish to go around,” Seitzinger later joked.
The first sculpture to appear in public was The Cosmic Fish, which debuted in 2001 outside Gannon’s Old Main. Painted by David Jr., another early fish featured bold zebra stripes and was completed in a single weekend. Though its time in Erie was short, it kicked off a wave of creativity across the city.
David Seitzinger Sr. also contributed a piece of his own. Titled Swingin’ in the Rain, it featured a sleek, blue-and-silver design with shimmering scales and a glass water spout. Atop the sculpture, a miniature Kermit the Frog in a tuxedo held a tiny umbrella—adding a sense of whimsy and charm.
The Frogs Make a Grand Entrance
Location: St. Joseph's Apartments
In 2004, something unusual appeared on the steps of the Erie Art Museum: a large, mysterious foam egg. Members of the “Fish Commish” kept watch as curiosity grew. Over several days, a visible crack began to form around the egg, drawing a crowd of intrigued residents.
Then, the top was lifted, and a new chapter of public art in Erie was revealed. The project, aptly named LeapFrog!, introduced two new frog statue designs. Like the fish before them, the frogs were painted and personalized by local artists and displayed throughout the city.
The timing was perfect. 2004 was a leap year, and according to artist and Gannon faculty member MC Gensheimer, the project embraced the theme completely. One of the first frogs was placed outside Gannon’s Old Main, joining the university’s growing collection.
Today, Gannon is home to two fish and two frog sculptures, including works by Gensheimer herself. Her pieces can be found inside the Beyer Hall Cafeteria, and a restored frog that once stood outside now lives in the Knight Club after undergoing a full repaint and repair. Like many of the original statues, it wasn’t designed to withstand harsh Erie winters—but thanks to local care and effort, it continues to delight.
A Lasting Impact
The original Cosmic Fish is still part of Gannon’s collection. It hangs in a quiet alcove on the first floor of the Palumbo Academic Center, a reminder of the city’s creative spirit and the collaboration that made it possible.
What began as a spark of inspiration in Chicago became something uniquely Erie. The fish and frog sculptures aren’t just decorative—they’re a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of public art to bring people together.
These statues may not move, but they’ve stirred something lasting in Erie’s cultural landscape.
Portions of this article were informed by reporting from The Gannon Knight. Read the original piece, “Anything Except Extinct: The Story of Erie’s Fish and Frogs,” at gannonknight.com.
Additional context and visuals were drawn from the WQLN PBS short film Go Fish, Leap Frog, available to watch atpbs.org.
