Mrs. Murray's Art Page
The Art of Sand, Space Coast, Florida
April 2-May 1, 2010

The
Art of Sand exhibit took place at the Radisson at
the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The month-long event gave
visitors an opportunity to experience first-hand the 10 to 15 foot
sculptures created by Master Sand Sculptors from around the world,
as well as other sand sculptures created by amateurs, youth and
corporate teams. The 3-day opening weekend festival, April 2-4,
had entertainment, vendors, food, and a chance to see the
sculptures all for one low admission price of $8 adult and $4 for
seniors, military personnel and children under 12. For thirty
days, there were sand sculpting competitions, tours of the
sculptures, and special events with the local arts and cultural
venues. There was also a Youth Pavilion during the entire event.
Kids were encouraged to experiment with their own sand sculptures,
learn fun facts about sand and the environment and have some
hands-on fun.
The following images are arranged in groupings of individual works. Some are details since it is difficult to capture the full effect in one photograph. The artists featured traveled from allover the world and each expressed their vision through a different theme.


















































What happens when it rains?
Most rain will not do serious damage to the sculptures. However, heavy rain will leave pockmarks on the sculpted surfaces. Torrential rain can saturate the sand and cause parts of the sculpture to collapse.
How do you do that?!
We make a form out of plywood and 2x4's, fill that form with sand and water and pack it down. When the first form is filled we make another smaller form and place that on top and do the same thing - add sand and water and pack it down. When we reach the desired height we take the nails out of the form to remove the top form and start sculpting. We do this until all the forms are removed and all that is left is sand and water that has been turned into a fantastic sand sculpture!
What is the wire sticking out of the top?
The wires are placed on the highest parts of the sculpture to prevent birds from landing on them.
Where is the sand from?
The sand used in the Art of Sand festival is specially formulated to produce the best looking and best quality sand sculptures. It is shipped in from a quarry in Winter Haven, FL.
What are you spraying on the sculpture?
To protect the sculpture from the sun and wind we spray on water with a little bit of Elmer's glue mixed in. This makes a little crust on the sculpture but it does not make the sand stronger and does not prevent a sculpture from collapsing. This is sprayed on the OUTSIDE of the sculpture and IS NOT mixed into the sand.