Help Make DooDad Happen!

Behind every extraordinary DooDad is an equally extraordinary community of volunteers!

The DooDad Competition is organized entirely by volunteers, and we're always looking for enthusiastic individuals who believe in creativity, arts education, and environmental stewardship.

Whether you have a few hours to contribute or would like to become more involved, there are plenty of ways to help.

The 13th Annual Repurposed DooDad Sculpture Competition

Big Ideas. Reimagined Materials. Extraordinary Art.

The 13th Annual Repurposed DooDad Sculpture Competition invites kindergarten through 12th-grade students attending public, private, charter, and home schools throughout Hillsborough County, Florida, to transform everyday discarded materials into extraordinary works of art.

This one-of-a-kind competition celebrates creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental awareness by challenging young artists to think beyond traditional art materials and explore the possibilities of three-dimensional sculpture.

Organized by an all-volunteer committee of Tampa Regional Artists, a nonprofit organization, the DooDad Competition brings together students, educators, community organizations, and generous sponsors to celebrate young artists and promote sustainability.

Since its inception in 2012, more than 3,350 students have created over 1,100 sculptures, with more than $50,000 awarded in prizes.

The 2027 Theme: Yellow, The Sunshine State

What does Florida mean to you?

This year's competition invites students to explore the people, places, wildlife, landscapes, and experiences that make Florida unique—all through the color yellow!

Using repurposed materials and this year's required material, yellow ribbon fabric, students will create imaginative, monochromatic sculptures inspired by their personal interpretations of the Sunshine State.

From golden sunshine and sandy beaches to native wildlife and unexpected Florida discoveries, the possibilities are as bright as the theme itself.

Competition & Exhibition

The competition includes both online submissions and in-person exhibitions, giving young artists opportunities to share their work with the community.

All eligible sculptures submitted through the online entry portal by the deadline will be included in the virtual DooDad exhibition and eligible for People's Choice voting.

Depending on the number of entries and available exhibition space, jurors may select a limited number of sculptures for display at the Florida State Fair.

Important Dates

• November 1, 2026: Online entry portal opens
• January 8, 2027: Competition entry deadline
• February 2027: Florida State Fair exhibition and awards ceremony
• Spring 2027: Additional exhibition opportunities to be announced

Fall 2026 :  Outreach & Preparation

Student & Educator Outreach

Help us introduce the competition to students and educators throughout Hillsborough County, including public, private, charter, parochial, and home schools. We also welcome connections with youth organizations such as Girl Scouts, Scouting America, 4-H, and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Communications & Social Media

Help spread the word! Volunteers can assist with social media, community announcements, promotional outreach, and competition communications.

Fundraising & Sponsorships

Support the competition by connecting with local businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsoring student creativity and helping fund awards and programming.

Community Partnerships

Help us build relationships with environmental, educational, cultural, and arts organizations whose missions complement the DooDad Competition.

Winter & Spring 2027:  Exhibitions & Events

Sculpture Receiving & Installation

Help receive, organize, and install student sculptures for the Florida State Fair exhibition.

Awards Ceremony & Special Events

Assist with event preparation, guest coordination, and celebrating our young artists.

Exhibition Docents

Welcome visitors, share information about the competition, and help audiences discover the creativity behind the sculptures.

Exhibition Transportation & Installation

Help prepare, transport, and install sculptures for additional community exhibitions, including the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, as schedules are confirmed.

Join the DooDad Community!

You don't have to be an artist to make a difference. All you need is enthusiasm, a little time, and a belief in what young people can create when given the freedom to imagine.

Interested in volunteering? We'd love to hear from you!

Contact us at doodadtampa@gmail.com to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Do you need additional help or resources?  Are you submitting Title one reimbursement information? Do you have suggestions that could help make DooDads a better experience?  Do you have a testimonial that will make us happy?!  Please get in touch  by emailing us directly at:  DooDadTampa@GMAIL.COM