What is Game of Shrooms? How to get involved in free worldwide mushroom art scavenger hunt

This June it'll be fungi for the whole family as brightly colored mushrooms sprout in unusual places. In the ground, certainly, and around the bases of trees, but also behind signs, on top of fences and behind cars, tucked away inside shrubs and even stashed behind stock at funky stores.

The 2024 Game of Shrooms is coming.

On June 8, thousands of artists around the world will begin hiding their original, mushroom-based creations in secret spots and leaving cryptic (or blatant) clues on social media for hunters to seek them out, like a magnificently silly global Easter egg hunt but for art. Last year an artist even hid one at the South Pole, but you won't have to go that far.

You might find cute mushrooms, vaguely sinister mushrooms, alien mushrooms, cybernetic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms, all of them painted, carved, drawn, sculpted or knitted and free just for this massive, gloriously silly international scavenger hunt.

Here's what you need to know to get involved.

What is Game of Shrooms?

In 2016, Daniel "Attaboy" Seifert, an artist in Richmond, California started making and hiding little mushroom-themed artworks in public spaces. Over the years, other artists joined in and it went worldwide. In 2019, he decided to make a day out of it.

The "non-religious, no cost, political-free interactive 'art show' of making and sharing" went viral on Instagram with artists posting pictures and video of creating and hiding the art and other people posting about finding them. It only got bigger during the pandemic when artists and nonartists alike needed something frivolous, fun, and safe to do.

Seifert guesses that last year saw 10,000-15,000 artists participating, but there's no way to tell how many hunters were out there. "It’s a holiday of sorts," he said in an email interview, "and seems it keeps doubling in size?"

And yes, Seifert still gets out there himself.

"Although I’m usually exhausted by game day," he said. "My wife and brother-in-law do go out together to plant/hide art each year. There are so many participants in our area though, it’s hard not to feel like you are being watched on game day :) it feels like Xmas meets Valentine’s Day with all the mischievousness of Halloween but none of the consumerism."

When is Game of Shrooms in 2024?

The next Game of Shrooms starts at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

How do I find art in Game of Shrooms?

Check the map at the Game of Shrooms site at yumfactory.com/gameofshrooms and find a local participating artist(s) you like and check their social media. In the days and weeks leading up to June 8, they may post pictures of the works in progress.

On June 8, they'll post pictures of themselves hiding it for you to find, with possible hints of landmarks and a clue or two. Start hunting! Artists may even hide multiple pieces of art.

Check the official Game of Shrooms Instagram account @gameofshroomsofficial to see examples from previous years.

Can I keep the art I find in Game of Shrooms?

Yes! Although you're welcome to gift it to others, or even hide it again. Just be sure to leave any identifying marks the original artist included.

And please let the artist know you found it. Post your own pics and tag them or send them a message.

How do I hide my own art in Game of Shrooms?

Anyone of any age or artistic ability can participate and there's no entry fee. First, go to the website and sign up. Your information (name, social media account, general location) will be added to the map.

Now create your art. It must be original, not a print or copy, and mushroom-themed. Be sure to add your social media account to the piece somewhere, and including #shroomdrop and #gameofshrooms2024 (if possible) is helpful.

At any time after 12:01 a.m. on June 8, go hide it and post some pics or video hints. Then wait and see what happens.

"Make something one of a kind, something you care about and give it to the world and fate," Seifert said, "Really risk something of yourself. Make two or three and start early.

"Then go look for some yourself!" he said.

Game of Shrooms asks that you avoid protected areas or private property and don't damage anything or leave any permanent marks or stickers. If no one finds your art, please retrieve it. "Leave no trace, be a mushroom ninja."

How many artists in Florida participate in Game of Shrooms?

As of March 6, months away from the event, there are already around 43 artists signed up in Florida from Fort Walton Beach to St. Augustine to Orlando to St. Petersburg to Port St. Lucie to Miami.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Game of Shrooms 2024: Massive mushroom-themed scavenger hunt explained