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8th Annual Found Objects Art Contest

In partnership with Reef-Logo

 

Surfrider Found Objects Art Contest

Surfrider Found Objects Art Contest
In partnership with Reef-Logo-Black
 

In the Fall of 2024, the Surfrider Foundation was pleased to present the 8th Annual Found Objects art contest in partnership with 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, which you have arranged in an artistic way and to share a story about your 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.

Stay tuned for details on the 2025 contest!

For all official rules, please click here.

Rules and judging

 

 

Prizes

1st Prize – $1,575 Value
$700 REEF gift card, a Firewire Surfboard ($850 ARV) and a Surfrider annual membership.

2nd Prize – $925 Value
$500 REEF gift card, a GoPro camera ($400 ARV) and a Surfrider annual membership.

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

Additional Bonus:

Winners and honorable mentions may be featured on Surfrider and REEF social media channels

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

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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!

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