2026-27 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition Winners Announced

OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2026) - The City of Ocala announces the winners of the 2026-27 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition, a biennial exhibition showcasing striking works of art in Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave. and Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St.

This year's award recipients are prize amounts are as follows:

• Best of Show ($2,000): "Red Queen" by Russell Whiting from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
• Second Place ($1,000): "Riverbank IV" by Kyle Van Lusk from Brevard, North Carolina
• Honorable Mention ($500) and People's Choice ($1,000): "Fully Realized" by Jack Howard-Potter from New York, New York

The outdoor exhibition transforms these parks into an open-air gallery, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience large-scale sculptures in a natural setting.

To enhance the exhibition experience, the City of Ocala has released a free educational scavenger hunt brochure. Designed as a fun, family-friendly activity, the scavenger hunt encourages participants of all ages to explore the artwork more closely while learning about the featured artists and sculptures.

The public is invited to participate during daylight hours at both parks. Completed brochures may be redeemed for free one-day family admission to the Appleton Museum of Art for up to two adults and three children.

Scavenger hunt brochures are available at the following locations:

• Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
• Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St.
• Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.
• Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd.

The Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition is presented in partnership with the Appleton Museum of Art.

For more information, contact the City of Ocala's Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447.

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