World Championship of Sand Sculpting
Artists and visitors have gathered for the World Championship of Sand Sculpting June 13-30 in Atlantic City, returning the century-old art form to its roots.
The competition marks the first time the World Championship of Sand Sculpting has been held in Atlantic City, where sand artistry had its earliest beginnings in the late 1800s, and only the third time this event has been held in the U.S. since it began in the 1980s.
Over 1.2 million pounds of fine-grade sand were trucked in for carvers to unleash their eye-popping talent. Before spectators’ disbelieving eyes sculptors create complex and detailed works, some as tall as 14 feet, with just sand and water.
The World Championship of Sand Sculpting provides another opportunity for Atlantic City to showcase its many attractions beyond gaming.
“These are massive sand portraits that can take many surprising forms from well-known celebrities and mythical creatures to fantastic sandcastles,” explains Liza Cartmell, Atlantic City Alliance president. “Popular with all ages, these works of art are ideal for picture taking and posting to social media.”
Event directors Charlie Beaulieu and Suzanne Altamare have teamed up with Atlantic City native sand sculptor John Gowdy along with the Atlantic City Alliance to produce the 2013 World Championship of Sand Sculpting.
Twenty-seven sculptors from 13 nations are competing in head-to-head singles and doubles competitions for over $16,000 in prize money.
The event, free and open to the public, takes place on the Atlantic City Beach at Missouri Avenue and is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
