Discover the Journey of Creativity
The Annual Re-Purposed DooDad Competition
The Doodad Sculpture Competition is a one-of-a-kind event that inspires K–12 students across Hillsborough County to think creatively and act sustainably. Hosted by the all-volunteer Doodad Committee of Tampa Regional Artists, this annual competition challenges young artists to create 3-dimensional sculptures using unconventional, discarded materials—all in response to an environmentally conscious theme.
Announcing our 2026 DooDad Sculpture Competition Theme!
This year’s theme challenges students to explore the Future of Innovation in Florida! These talented student artists will utilize OBSOLETE products – From outdated electronics to forgotten household gadgets, items that are no longer used or have been replaced by newer technology or trends – to create their forward thinking sculptures. Students will transform these relics into meaningful works of art. The competition also ties into the America250 celebration with its focus on innovation — both past and future.
Getting Involved:
Are you a Student Artist?
We know how exciting, but also how daunting, starting a new project can be! Visit our theme page for information on this years theme : FLORIDA< FLYING INTO THE FUTURE, and this years DooDads: OBSOLETE OBJECTS (from tangled cords to worn-out rulers, broken bike parts to old file folders). We discuss the impact of these resources on our enviorment, and offer suggestions for different sculpting methods!
Are you a Teacher or Student Group Organizer?
We know fitting a new project into your planning can be tough, so we’ve compiled resources to help make the job a little easier on you! Please visit our teaching resources page for more information about how the DooDad competition can help you enhance your Art Program and excite your students!
Would you like to Sponsor DooDads?
We invite you or your company to become a sponsor of the Annual Repurposed DooDad Sculpture Competition and help support art activities for students within Hillsborough County. Sponsorships and donations to the DooDad competition are made through Tampa Realistic Artists which is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity #CH36880.
Please visit our SPONSORS page for more information or to get in touch with Kathy Durdin directly at 813-220-5800 .
Would you like to Volunteer?
The DooDad Competition could not exisist without the help of a great numebr of volunteers who offer up their time and energy each year. If you are interested in donating time please get in touch here. We’d love to have you as a part of our DooDad team!
Thank you to our 2026 SPONSORS!
Watch Artist's Statement Videos!
During the pandemic, like everyone else, we needed to pivot to meet the challenges of the time. How do you share the beauty of the these sculptures and the wonder of seeing the student artists share their excitement without meeting in person? We decided to implement Artist Statement videos! They have been so successful that we’ve continued the practice even though we are exhibiting in person again. Take a peek at all the videos from last year’s competion here.
Events
2025
View our 2025 Competition Winners!
After successful exhibitions at The Florida State Fair and Gasparilla Fine Art Festival we are delighted to share our collection of judged and People's Choice Winners!
Please visit our awards page to view all the stunning work created by Hillsborough County Students.
