Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

• Kathy Durdin, Tampa Regional Artists – Doodad Committee
• Email:    [email protected]
• Phone:   813-220-5800
• Website: http://doodadoftampa.org/

CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS:

THE 11TH ANNUAL REPURPOSED DOODAD SCULPTURE COMPETITION

OPENS NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Tampa, FL – Aug 5, 2024 – The highly anticipated 11th Annual Repurposed Doodad Sculpture Competition is set to open on November 20, 2024. This unique competition invites Kindergarten through 12th grade students from public, charter, private, and home schools in Hillsborough County to showcase their creativity by reusing unconventional materials to create 3-dimensional artworks.

A Unique Artistic Challenge with an Environmental Twist:

This year’s theme, “Water,” encourages students to explore the importance and impact of water in various forms, including its role in Florida’s ecosystem, water-related activities, and environmental challenges. Participants are required to use fabric and household cardboard boxes, including at least one delivery box, to construct their sculptures. The aim is to inspire young artists to think creatively and sustainably.

Key Dates:

• • November 20, 2024: Competition opens.
  • December 20, 2024: Deadline to upload sculpture images, entry information, and video artist statements via the online link at http://doodadoftampa.org/.
  • December 28, 2024: Online jurying begins.
  • January 10, 2024: Online exhibition opens on the Doodad website with the announcement of juror-selected sculptures for the Florida State Fair.
  • January 31, 2025: Deliver juror-selected sculptures to the Florida State Fair.
  • February 5, 2025: Awards reception (details to be announced).
  • February 6-17, 2025: Juror-selected sculptures exhibited at the Florida State Fair.
  • February 18-21, 2025: Pick up non-award-winning exhibited sculptures from the Florida State Fair.
  • March 1-2, 2025: Exhibition of award-winning sculptures at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
  • March 2, 2025: Pick up award-winning sculptures from the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.

Awards and Recognition:

Participants have the opportunity to win monetary awards in two categories:

• • Juror Awards: Selected by a panel of judges based on originality, use of repurposed materials, and adherence to the theme.
  • People’s Choice Awards: Determined by public online voting.

Since its inception in 2012, the Doodad Competition has seen over 1,030 sculptures created by more than 3,200 students, with over $42,000 awarded in prizes. This all-volunteer effort by the Doodad Committee, part of Tampa Regional Artists, is made possible through the generous support of local organizations and sponsors.

For more information, competition guidelines, and to view past entries, visit http://doodadoftampa.org/.

About Tampa Regional Artists:

Tampa Regional Artists is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in the Tampa Bay area. Through various programs and events, the organization aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community.

Testimonials from our teachers and parents:

“Thank you for putting on this program! For my homeschool kids, it fulfills a whole semester of art education (not to mention the excitement!) that we otherwise wouldn’t have. We’ve been very impressed by how engaged and invested everyone is that we have met through Doodad. Thank you again for your commitment!”
Tonya Ledford, homeschool parent in Hillsborough County

Amy Weiss

Art Teacher, Boyette Springs Elementary