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International Sand Art Competition
Thanksgiving weekend in Key West
Event information: www.sandartkeywest.com
KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Intriguing nontraditional artistry and playful beachside pleasures combine in the International Sand Art Competition, providing a unique creative experience for participants and spectators over Thanksgiving weekend in Key West.
Visitors can watch six leading U.S. and international sand sculptors construct and display large-scale creations Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 25-29, on the Atlantic Ocean beach at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, at 1500 Reynolds St.
Scheduled competitors are Rusty Croft, host of the Travel Channel reality show "Sand Masters"; veteran Key West sand artist and show participant Chris Guinto; defending champion Benjamin Probanza of Mexico; award-winning Missouri sculptor Dan Belcher; Canadian master Abe Waterman; and Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands, acclaimed as one of the world's most respected sand sculptors.
According to competition founder Marianne van den Broek of Key West's Sand-Isle Professional Sand Sculpting, each entrant is to receive approximately 15,000 pounds of sand. All must craft their sculptures out of only sand and water, using hand tools such as trowels and brushes, but no electric tools, molds or glue.
Viewers can observe the artists at work on their beachside creations from 8 a.m. until late afternoon Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 25-27, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. In addition, the sculptures are to be illuminated until 9 p.m. beginning Thursday for after-dark enjoyment. Day and evening viewing is free.
As well as watching the sculptures take shape, spectators can search the sand to compete for an authentic shipwreck treasure coin valued at $1,000. Mel Fisher's Treasure Dig, named for the late salvager who discovered the 1622 wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha in Key West waters, is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
Kids and adults also can create their own sand artistry in a designated area.
Judging is to take place Saturday afternoon after the sculptors put the final touches on their work. From 1-4 p.m. the public can cast votes for the People's Choice Award.
A Casa Marina "Beach Bash" is set for 2-4 p.m. during the judging, and award winners in three categories are to be announced at a 5 p.m. ceremony followed by live music.
The Thanksgiving weekend event is to conclude Sunday with the finished sculptures on display from 9 a.m. until sunset.
Photos courtesy of Newman PR
Event information: www.sandartkeywest.com
KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Intriguing nontraditional artistry and playful beachside pleasures combine in the International Sand Art Competition, providing a unique creative experience for participants and spectators over Thanksgiving weekend in Key West.
Visitors can watch six leading U.S. and international sand sculptors construct and display large-scale creations Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 25-29, on the Atlantic Ocean beach at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, at 1500 Reynolds St.
Scheduled competitors are Rusty Croft, host of the Travel Channel reality show "Sand Masters"; veteran Key West sand artist and show participant Chris Guinto; defending champion Benjamin Probanza of Mexico; award-winning Missouri sculptor Dan Belcher; Canadian master Abe Waterman; and Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands, acclaimed as one of the world's most respected sand sculptors.
According to competition founder Marianne van den Broek of Key West's Sand-Isle Professional Sand Sculpting, each entrant is to receive approximately 15,000 pounds of sand. All must craft their sculptures out of only sand and water, using hand tools such as trowels and brushes, but no electric tools, molds or glue.
Viewers can observe the artists at work on their beachside creations from 8 a.m. until late afternoon Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 25-27, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. In addition, the sculptures are to be illuminated until 9 p.m. beginning Thursday for after-dark enjoyment. Day and evening viewing is free.
As well as watching the sculptures take shape, spectators can search the sand to compete for an authentic shipwreck treasure coin valued at $1,000. Mel Fisher's Treasure Dig, named for the late salvager who discovered the 1622 wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha in Key West waters, is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
Kids and adults also can create their own sand artistry in a designated area.
Judging is to take place Saturday afternoon after the sculptors put the final touches on their work. From 1-4 p.m. the public can cast votes for the People's Choice Award.
A Casa Marina "Beach Bash" is set for 2-4 p.m. during the judging, and award winners in three categories are to be announced at a 5 p.m. ceremony followed by live music.
The Thanksgiving weekend event is to conclude Sunday with the finished sculptures on display from 9 a.m. until sunset.
Photos courtesy of Newman PR
Event information: www.sandartkeywest.com
Credit: Newman PR
