They are rock stars with itchy shorts. Sand sculptors have become the hot pop-culture commodity. They even have their own reality TV. What more beach cred do you need?
Visitors to this year’s World Championship of Sand Sculpting starting today in Federal Way will get to see more than 30 of the world’s best sand sculptors create art live.
“The sculptures are becoming more museum quality,” said Charles Beaulieu, event director and a sculptor himself. Aside from the amazing visual appeal, Beaulieu attributes the growing popularity of the art to its lightening quick creation. “Something you can do in four days in sand could be a year to cast in bronze.”
The three-week long competition is the largest exhibition of its kind in North America, Beaulieu said. The public can watch the sculptors work in the two-acre parking lot at Hillside Plaza, through Sept. 5. The jury-selected sand masters were chosen from an international roster. “We start in the top 10 percent of the sand sculptors in the world and then we evaluate on a variety of criteria including tenure and talent,” Beaulieu said.
This is the second year for the competition. Last year’s inaugural event began in September. Attendance and the sculptures were dampened by heavy rain. The event lost about $50,000. Organizers hope this year’s earlier start date will bring out more people and reduce competitive pressure from the Puyallup Fair.
Tacoma sand sculptor Sue McGrew, co-star of that reality TV show “Sand Masters” (Travel Channel), will be sculpting as will two of her co-stars, Rusty Croft and Kirk Rademaker.
Beaulieu noted that unlike beach competitions, the parking lot provides easy access for disabled individuals. He also emphasizes the kid appeal of the event. “They’ve all played in sand,” he said. A 40-ton sand box will be on the site for young sculptors to create works.
The event starts today with a solo competition. The sculptors have until Sunday to finish their work. Next Friday, a doubles competition starts. After that display, work will continue through Sept. 5.
Other activities include lessons and demonstrations. Timed 10-minute sculpting competition between two sculptors will occur nightly, Thursday-Sunday, on the main stage. Display sculptures that can be personalized with names and messages will be available for photo opportunities.
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
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