TPA's Phoebe The Flamingo Nabs Major International Art Award

TAMPA, FL — Just days after celebrating her first birthday, Tampa International Airport’s 21-foot-tall giant pink flamingo, formally titled “Home” by artist Matthew Mazzotta and nicknamed Phoebe by a public vote, has officially been named a winner in the prestigious CODAWorx Awards.

A panel of 18 jurors, comprising some of the most influential names in the art and design industry, reviewed and scored the entries, naming Phoebe winner in the Transportation Category. The public was also given the opportunity to weigh in, and Phoebe picked up one of two “People’s Choice Awards” with more than 3,000 votes.

“The wonderfully witty idea of a scaled-up scene makes one smile and want to interact by taking a selfie at the first place, stimulating afterwards deeper reflection," said judge Tomasz Urbanowics of ArchiGlass. "An excellent example of public art project, combining joy, deep thought and site-specific approach.”

Related:

• 21-Foot-Tall Pink Flamingo Makes Its 'Home' At Tampa Airport
• Giant Flamingo Emerges From Floor Of Main Terminal Of Airport
• Phoebe Has Flamingo Fanatics Flocking To Tampa International Airport

The CODAWorx Awards received a record-breaking 411 entries from 24 different countries (and the Korean Demilitarized Zone). Take a look at the full list of winners here.

The big news comes on the heels of Phoebe’s first birthday, which was celebrated on Aug. 25, the one-year anniversary of the official completion of “Home” on Level 3 of TPA’s main terminal.

The airport welcomed live flamingos from Busch Gardens and flamenco dancers from the Columbia Restaurant to help celebrate the special day, along with a massive cake enjoyed by travelers passing through TPA.