2013 World Championships of Sand Sculpting

A plastic pail, moist sand, and imagination can create the castles of your dreams.  It was very evident on the Atlantic City beach sand art is not always for the very young, since the 2013 World Championships of Sand Sculpting returned to Atlantic City to showcase the work of 27 international artists.  There were castles, celebrities and a variety of sculptures that were created by using a special texture of sand that can be densely packed.  When these photos were taken the magnificent works were still in progress, and it was very rewarding watching the artists intensely at work.

The lovely mermaid welcomed visitors to the free exhibits.

The Atlantic City competition marked the third time this event has been held in the U.S, since it began in the 1980's.

Each artist had information regarding their homeland and personal information displayed by their work.

Sand sculpting began on the beaches of Atlantic City many years ago.  It was common to see people on the boardwalk throw coins to beach goers creating their art.

This is biblical Eve.  When finished she held an apple that could have tempted many.

This entry was entitled "Don't smoke, Save Life," it featured a four faced man surrounded by a tobacco haze.

Working with paintbrushes, toothpicks, spray bottles, and other various items were instrumental in the creations, but it took complete dedication by the artists to create their works of art.

The winner of the $2,500. was Karen Fralich, of Ontario, Canada, for "Amazon's Pet", a sculpture of an armored woman and her dragon.

Neptune welcomes all to visit the beach and enjoy the sand, salt water and sunshine.

Once the works are finished they are sprayed with a 1/16th-inch coating of biodegradable mix of Elmer's glue and water to help them weather the elements.  The sculptures will remain on display until nature intervenes.