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8th Annual Found Objects Art Contest

presented by Reef-Logo

 

Surfrider Found Objects Art Contest

Surfrider Found Objects Art Contest
Presented by Reef-Logo-Black
 

This September, join Surfrider for the 8th Annual Found Objects art contest presented by our long time partner and sponsor of Surfrider's national beach cleanup program, REEF

The Found Objects art contest invites people to share items that they’ve cleaned up /found from their local waterways and beaches. To participate, you are encouraged to take a photo of the objects found on the beach, arranged in an artistic way and to share a story about the artwork. The story can include activities, memories or what you and your community are doing to protect what you love. This grassroots activity leads with a positive message to inspire and ultimately build an engaged community in the fight against single-use plastics.

The art contest will run exclusively on Instagram from September 16 to October 7, 2024. 

To submit an entry to the contest, post a photo of your artwork to your Instagram account, write a story, and then tag @surfrider, @reef and use the hashtag #SurfriderFound

Surfrider and REEF will review all the entries and determine which of the top works will be recognized and awarded. Note that official entrants to the Found Objects Art Contest hosted by Surfrider U.S. and REEF must reside in the U.S.

Rules and judging

 

 

Prizes

1st Prize – $1,600 Value
$700 REEF gift card and a Firewire Surfboard

2nd Prize – $900 Value
$500 REEF gift card and a GoPro camera

3rd prize – $500 Value
$250 REEF gift card and a $250 Surfrider merchandise package

Additional Bonus:

Honorable mentions will be featured on REEF and Surfrider social channels

Scroll down to check out the incredible entries from previous years and get inspired!

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Found-Objects-Prizes-2022

Prizes

1st Prize – $850 Value
Firewire Surfboard 

2nd Prize – $400 Value
GoPro Hero 11 Black Camera

3rd prize – $200 Value
Surfrider gift package 

Additional Bonus:

Your entry may also be chosen to be displayed in-person at a Surfrider event in 2024!

Thanks to our sponsor REEF for their support of the Better Beach Alliance and Found Objects Art Contest.

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Photo Tips

  • Trash/Debris — Look for a variety of trash and debris: unique shapes, sizes, & colors

  • Composition — When composing the photo, arrange the items in a creative way and shoot the photo from above

  • Color Use — Look for unusual colored objects that will stand out amongst the neutral sand color

  • Textures — Try and find 3D objects or objects with unique textures which will stand out in the photograph

  • Story — Make sure to include a clever, funny, or unique story as the caption of your photo!

Beach Cleanups

A Surfrider Foundation program to tackle the ocean litter issue – primarily caused by plastic pollution - through education for action, community science, and campaigns. We are all part of the solution and together we can restore our coastlines, one beach at a time.

Find a beach cleanup
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How can I safely cleanup my local beach?


  • What to bring:  gloves, 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, grabbers (if you have them), 2 separate collection receptacles.
  • Wear gloves. We cannot stress this safety precaution enough. Viruses can live on hard surfaces, and individuals should exercise extreme caution when collecting litter. Wearing gloves discourages you from touching your face or face covering. If using reusable gloves, be sure to properly sanitize between uses.  
  • Grabbers are a good way to minimize contact between your gloves and trash items. Sanitize these after use and before transport or storage.
  • Refrain from touching your face or public surfaces during the cleanup.
  • Improperly discarded Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, masks, disinfectant wipes, or other medical waste should be handled and properly discarded following very strict protocol. It’s important that all PPE items collected are properly disposed of following CDC and EPA guidance. If you feel comfortable handling such items, use grabbers and place the PPE items in the receptacle separate from recyclables collected. Used PPE should be tightly sealed in a trash bag and discarded in a lined and secure trash receptacle. PPE items should not be recycled due to possible contamination.
  • Remember to use hand sanitizer after the cleanup is over, then wash your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds as soon as you’re able to do so.

#SurfriderFound