Revere Sand Sculptures

Sunday, July 17 my friends and I went for the evening to Revere Beach to see the Sand Sculptures. The Sculpting contest was the night before. We headed down about the time the sun was starting to set. It made for a lovely evening. 

Stephane Robert entered with "Fly Me to the Moon...Let Me Play Among the Stars." Robert is from Montreal.

Montreal's Jonathan Bouchard took not only first place, but the peoples' choice award as well for his "Empty of Turtle."

 The Sculptures are limited to what they can and cannot do depending on the characteristics of any given sand. This sand is from Hudson, NH and has the qualities that allow them to create more difficult, taller, sheerer sculptures.

"Iris" by Acapulco's Benjamin Probanzana.

St. Louis native Dan Belcher took home third place and was the sculptors' choice for his dazzling "Weather or Not."

Artists are usually sponsored by local businesses, with familiar Boston landmarks often being the theme for the festival.

The artists adhere to strict rules during the contest. Each sculptor is given 12 tons of sand and are assigned an 18’ x 18’ square exhibit area. Work by the artists is limited to 30 hours in total length, which is spread out over several days. Forms for molding components are allowed and must be removed prior to the artworks being rated by the judges. The sand sculptures are evaluated using six categories: 1. Overall impact/Wow Factor, 2. Originality, 3. Degree of Difficulty, 4. Quality of carving, 5. Finish, 6. Artistic Impression. Prize money is available for the sculptures, which will garner some of the best artists in the nation to the festival. 1st place $5,000, 2nd place $4,000, 3rd place $3,000, 4th-10th place $1,000 and the People's Choice $1,000. 

The themed sculpture was created by Sanding Ovations for your enjoyment.  It is called “Sponsor Sculpture” and it is a thank you to the sponsors, local businesses and organizations that make this event happen.

There was stunning detail in Michela Ciappini's "Origami Wish." Ciapinni hails from Faro, Portugal.

The aptly named "The Veil" won second place for Dan Doubleday, from Treasure Island, Florida

"Man of War" by Chris Guinto, from Key West, Florida

Revere's own Matthew Mattelli's "Octavia."

This one looked like something that came from Monsters Inc.

Sue McGrew, from Tacoma, Washington, created "Eternally Entwined."

Martha and Cathie Ballif

Christy Johnson, Cathie Ballif, Jullie Tracy, Martha Paxton

Cathie

The Turtle was one of my favorites. That and the big castle. 

Steve Topazio of Tiverton, R.I., created a crowd favorite with "Knock, Knock!"

This was also a close tie with the turtle. 

The sun dries the sand and the wind blows it away. For this reason they spray diluted Elmer’s white glue on the finished sculptures.  Although the solution is not waterproof, it does slow down the erosion process greatly.  If these sculptures were indoors or it was continuously overcast, they would not have to put anything on them.

Once the competition is over, the sculptures will be left to the elements.  When they are no longer recognizable the city will flatten them back to the beach.

What a beautiful view of the castle with the sun setting. It was a wonderful evening to spend with some fantastic friends and be able to enjoy the talents that people have. It is incredible the talent that is displayed through the ideas and detail of these sculptures.