Ten new sculptures were recently installed at Tuscawilla Park for the 2022-23 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition.
The biennial competition features sculptures from artists across North America, and these works will be at the park, which is located at 213 NE 5th Street, for a 22-month exhibit that spans across 45-acres of green space in downtown Ocala.
The winners of this year’s competition have been announced, and Best in Show was awarded to Gus and Lina Ocamposilva for their creative sculpture titled ‘The Three Musketeers’.
When discussing their sculpture, Gus and Lina Ocamposilva stated, “We believe colors are so important in people’s lives, especially in environments where a sculpture will attract the visitor’s attention and make them wonder about its meaning.”
Jim Gallucci’s sculpture (‘Golden Oak Leaf Arch II’) was recognized as the 2nd Place winner. Gallucci stated that his sculpture “uses the fascination of an arch to celebrate the magnificence of nature using a simple form, the leaf.”
Harry McDaniel’s sculpture (‘Exploratory Unit 01’) earned him an honorable mention during this year’s competition. McDaniel stated that his goal with the piece was to “tread the fine line between a visually-engaging, abstract sculpture and a giant-insect-like-thing-from-outer-space.”
Flamino Antonio’s sculpture (‘Window to the Past’) was the People’s Choice winner. Antonio stated that the sculpture was built from scrap metal which helps the environment “by transforming what would otherwise become trash into a structure that awakens different reactions.”
For more information on each sculpture, or to view a virtual tour, visit the 2022-23 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture competition webpage.