10th Annual Doodad Repurposed Sculpture Competition

Since 2012, the Annual Doodad Repurposed Sculpture Competition has inspired students to create imaginative sculptures along a theme while repurposing common objects, or “doodads”. Open to K-12 students attending public, private, charter and home schools in Hillsborough County, the competition challenges students to think beyond traditional art materials.  The goals for the competition are to enhance students’ confidence, creativity and self-esteem, leading to a long-term appreciation and love of art and building skills that they will use in whatever career they eventually have.  Organizers are passionately focused on involving students across Hillsborough County.

 The competition is unique in that it focuses on three-dimensional art, increases awareness about the importance of recycling, and awards over $5,750 in cash prizes.  The competition is organized by Tampa Regional Artists. Our presenting sponsor will be the Vinik Family Foundation. Long-time sponsor The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation will again be a sponsor for this year’s competition, along with TECO, Amalie Oil and the Northern Trust.

 The 10th Doodad Repurposed Sculpture Competition will be hosted and co-presented by the Florida State Fair. Students will submit images of their sculptures and a 1-minute video artist statement onto an online site.  All sculptures submitted will be available to view on the Competition website, and will voted on by the general public for peoples’ choice awards.  A panel of judges will select the best sculptures, which will to be exhibited at the Florida State Fair.  Thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to view these works at Florida Center during the Florida State Fair, February 8-19, 2024. The students will also participate in an awards reception on February 7, 2024.

Reflecting our venue, this year’s doodad includes State Fair ribbons, as well as household plastic containers.  The theme is Florida’s Native Flora and Fauna, inspiring students to appreciate and save the species that make our state so unique. Students will be encouraged to re-use these materials in creative ways as they work individual or in small groups to envision and execute their theme-based designs.  Competition organizers are working to obtain support to help provide materials for Title I schools and other groups who may need assistance to participate.

 For more information on the 10th Annual Competition, the Competition Guidelines, and information, images and catalogues from the past competition, please see our website, https://doodadoftampa.org.