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What Is the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival?
Each November, a sand sculpting competition turns Siesta Key beach into an outdoor art gallery curated with marble-looking sculptures thanks to the pure white quartz sand found on this infamous beach. Master sand sculptures from across the globe, including Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Lithuania, South Korea, Canada, the Czech Republic, and Singapore, compete for thousands of dollars and champion titles. Honoring unique, exquisite, intricate, and brilliant sand sculptures, some even reaching ten feet tall, over 40,000 attendees watch in amazement as the artists build and create masterpieces from scratch. Whether you are a Sarasota native or Siesta Key vacationer, this annual event has been a “must-see” since 2010. Learn more about the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival from the local experts at Best Western Siesta Key.
What is the Siesta Key Crystal Classic?
The Siesta Key International Sand Sculpting Festival is an annual event that calls professional sand sculptures from around the world together for a friendly competition. Participants are tasked with creating a large community carve, solo sand sculptures, and team or “double” sand sculptures. Throughout the weekend, the public is invited to admire the hard work, dedication, creativity, and skill put into each design and take part in other festival fun. The four-day festival offers sand sculpting demonstrations and lessons, called “The Learning Curve,” live bands, retail vendors, food trucks, an ongoing contest called “Quick Sand” that challenges skill and speed, and an amateur sand sculpting contest. Attendees can also enjoy a visit to the Barefoot Beach Party Tent for a full bar and music.
At sunset, the sand sculptures become illuminated under a magnificent colored light display for admirers before official judging begins. After the professional judges make their rounds, the community is invited to vote for their favorite sculptures and determine a recipient for the People’s Choice awards.
How Did the Competition and Festival Begin?
The first-ever Siesta Key Crystal Classic was held from November 18th -21st in 2010, as Sarasota resident and sand sculptor, Brian Wigelsworth, joined forces with a slew of Sarasota community organizations, including the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, and the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau. Master sculptures gathered to create masterpieces from tons of Siesta Key’s legendary white quartz sand, which has since been recognized as some of the best sand for the craft.
Since its inception, the festival has generously aided in the growth and expansion of Siesta Key as a favored vacation destination and America’s #1 beach. Today, the festival is presented by the Siesta Beach Festival, Inc. and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce to help shine a brighter light on the community, businesses, and the visual artistry demonstrated by some of the best sand sculptures in the world. In addition, a portion of the festival’s proceeds supports the Ringling College of Art & Design via the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Scholarship Fund.
Highlights & Winners of the 2021 Siesta Key Crystal Classic
With 24 of the world’s leading sand sculptures competing, both as solo artists and teams of two, only a handful of skillfully gifted artists received awards. Together, these artists fashioned various designs and breathtaking sculptures, from depictions of graceful mermaids and furry animals to modern art designs that evoke thought and traditional, yet jaw-dropping, castles.
Among the impressive sculptures, select artists and themes undoubtedly caught the attention of both judges and the public. Skull Duggery, a piece sculpted by duo Karen Fralish and Dan Belcher, was awarded first place in the doubles category and the Sculpters’ Choice Artist Team award. In second place for doubles, and recipient of the People’s Choice: Doubles was ‘Twas the Tide Before… by artists Matt Long and Brian Wigelsworth. Thomas Koet received first place in the solo category, the Sculptures’ Choice Solo Artist, and the People’s Choice Solo for his work titled A Rose Without Thorns. Second place solo was awarded to Christ Guinto for his sand sculpture titled Angel of Death.
Since the official dates for the 2022 Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival have yet to be announced, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the big announcement. Then, don’t hesitate to begin making your travel plans and book your stay here at Best Western Siesta Key. Along with catching this annual event, which is responsible for the reservations of over 16,000 hotel rooms, November is one of the best times of year to visit Siesta Key. Don’t miss your opportunity to feast your eyes on these incredible sand sculptures and watch in awe as the master crafters build their wonderful masterpieces.