Ocala sculpture competition winners announced

“Red Queen” by Russell Whiting [Submitted photo]

A sculptor from Louisiana took the top honor in the 2026-27 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition.

The biennial exhibition showcases works of art in Tuscawilla Park at 800 NE Sanchez Ave. and the Tuscawilla Art Park at 213 NE Fifth St., Ocala.

The competition is presented in partnership with the Appleton Museum of Art. Ten artists from around the nation were competing this year.

This year’s award recipients and prize amounts, which were announced publicly on Feb. 21 during the Tuscawilla Sculpture Stroll event, are:

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

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 news release noted.

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: 

• 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.

For more information, contact the city of Ocala’s Cultural Arts Office at (352) 629-8447 or visit ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/growth-management/cultural-arts