Say hello to the Tuscaloosa Monsters

Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old

Combining the creative talents of local elementary school children and UA students, the Takeover features bronze sculptures placed at various locations in the downtown area.

Their Story

Tuscaloosa, AL - 2010

It all began with the Monster Makeover when elementary school students were given the chance to have their monster drawings come to life. The pictures were then created by local artists in varying styles to be exhibited and auctioned every October.

As of 2018, the project has evolved into the Monster Takeover. The idea was originally inspired by Greenville, South Carolina's "Mice on Main" sculpture scavenger hunt and New York City's "Life Underground" exhibit, depicting everyday maintenance and city cleanup in the form of bronze sculptures.

The Monster Takeover takes the elementary monster drawings a step further as University of Alabama students convert the children's ideas into sculptures during their time in Craig Wedderspoon's spring sculpting class. Last year's draft of 11 sculptures was installed downtown, while the current plans are to annually spread more monsters throughout the city.

And if you want to know even more.....

Read through the slideshow created by University of Alabama students to learn more about the artistic craze that is taking over Tuscaloosa.