Competitor Lineup Announced for Third Annual Sand Art Competition Starting on Nov. 23

2016 International Sand Art Competition Showcases Stellar Talent Over Thanksgiving Weekend

KEY WEST, October 31, 2016 – The Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria resort, is once again hosting the 2016 International Sand Art Competition over Thanksgiving weekend. Starting on November 23, competitors begin sculpting their masterpieces made of sand and water. This free event continues throughout the weekend at the Casa Marina. Visitors can watch the artists sculpt from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily. The sculptures will be lit in the evening starting on Friday, November 25 until 9 p.m. Six renowned sand-sculptors, all decorated artists from around the globe, will convene on the sand at the Casa Marina beach during the International Sand Art Competition. The cast of sculptors includes new artists as well as favorites from last year including:

  • Double award winner in 2016 (People’s Choice & Conch Republic Awards), Abe Waterman returns this year with an appetite for more. This decorated competitor from Canada, often uses musicians as inspiration for his sculptures, as demonstrated with last year’s “Color of a Dream,” a nod to Jimi Hendrix’s ‘One Rainy Wish.’
  • Nicknamed Vincent Sand Gogh, JOOheng Tan continues to impress and delight the sand-sculpting world. A decorated competitor from Singapore, he brings a passion to the International Sand Art Competition that will be hard to beat.
  • Hometown competitor, Chris Guinto brings sand sculpture to life in Key West throughout the year. His passion for horror and gore fuels his creativity and he always provides a show. Together with his wife Marianne, they run the professional sand sculpting business Sand-Isle LLC based out of Key West.
  • Returning competitor, Rusty Croft always entertains and never disappoints. His expertise is widely admired in the industry and is considered the face of sand sculpting due to frequent TV appearances, including hosting Travel Channel’s “Sand Masters.”
  • Canadian Guy-Olivier Deveaux brings an intensity and attention to detail to the competition that is hard to match. Deveaux competed two years ago and is excited to bring his skills back for another shot at the winner’s circle
  • Hailing from Santa Cruz, Morgan Rudluff, born and raised California girl, is as cute as she is fierce. A rising star in the sculpting community scoring multitudes of accolades, she’ll make the competition interesting and fun, with an artistic flair.
  • Veteran sculptor and multi-year award winner, Dan Belcher, from St. Louis, MO will be returning to the competition as the event sculptor this year, helping to create various sculptures for the event. Though not competing, his energetic and passionate sculpting skills will be on full display throughout the event.

Judging for the International Sand Art Competition will take place from 1p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 26. Visitors can cast their vote for the “People’s Choice Award.” The winners will be announced at 5 p.m. with live entertainment continuing through 6 p.m.

The 2016 International Sand Art Competition is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council. For more information about the 2016 International Sand Art Competition, the six competing sand sculptors, and a full calendar of events, visit www.sandartkeywest.com or follow International Sand Art Competition on Facebook and Instagram.

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