Press Releases
Free food & drink for musicians at Sanding Ovations afternoon beach jam
November 9, 2009
Master sculptors shape sand for "Sanding Ovations"
October 26, 2009
Sand sculpture and music festival coming to TI this fall
September 8, 2009

Posters
Sand Ovations flyer 8x11

Contact Info
Event Planning and General Information
Cathy Hayduke - 727-547-4575 ext. 237
recreation@mytreasureisland.org

Vendors
Dominique Reiter - 727-360-4121
tchamber1@tampabay.rr.com

Sand Sculptors
Meredith Corson - 727-251-8052
mcorson1@tampabay.rr.com

Musicians
Jeff Jensen - 727-547-4575 ext. 247
webmaster@mytreasureisland.org

Rules for Master Sand Sculpting Competitions

1. The only person allowed working in the plot is the master sculptor unless they are having help putting up or removing forms. (safety reasons).

2. 24 hours of competition for all competitors. If they are not in the plot, they forfeit the time.

3. Sculptors work from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with 1 hour for lunch. No work will be allowed during the lunch hour.

4. Each sculptor is given 12 tons of sand.

5. The plot size is 18’ x 18’.

6. Only sand and water are allowed.

7. All forms must be outside the plot prior to start time. All forms must be removed prior to judging. All formed sand must be altered by hand.

8. Judging will be done by the sculptors themselves plus a minimum of 2 non-competing masters using the Sanding Ovations Report Card System. They will grade all sculptures except their own.

 

Judging Criteria:
The sculptures are graded in 4 categories using the Sanding Ovations Report Card System.
1. Degree of Difficulty
2. Originality and creativity
3. Quality of sculpting, (start to finish)
4. Overall impact/Wow factor.

Purse:$10,250.00
1st place …………….…. $3,000.00
2nd place……………….. $2,000.00
3rd place…………………$1,000.00
Peoples Choice………….. $500.00
Non-placing artist fee……. $750.00

 

Schedule for competition
Nov. 13, Delivery of 150 tons of sand
Nov. 15, - 19 Sculpting of all the sponsor logos takes place.
Nov. 17, 18 Sculptors arrive
Nov, 19, 8:00 – 6:00 (9 hours) 1 hour for lunch.
Nov. 20, 8:00 – 6:00 (9 hours) 1 hour for lunch.
Nov. 21, 8:00 – 3:00 (6 hours) 1 hour for lunch.
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Peoples’ Choice voting
3:15 – 4:00 Judging
6:00 p.m. Presentation of awards at the main stage
8:00 p.m. Fireworks

 

FAQ'S  
Can I vote for the big sculpture in the middle for Peoples Choice?
No.  The sculpture in the middle was created by Sanding Ovations.  They call it the "Sponsor Sculpture" and it is a thank you to all the sponsors, local businesses and organizations who make this event happen.

What happens when it rains?
The rain does not do as much damage as you would think. The weight of the rain drop can leave pit marks on the sculpture that can be brushed off if they can reach it. If it rains long enough and hard enough, fine detail, overhangs, and cut-throughs can be lost.

Why do some of the sculptures have wires sticking out of the tops?
Birds will land on the sculptures. When they ‘take off’ their talons will cause damage to the sculpture. For this reason some of the sculptors choose to put a fine wire in the tallest point of their sculpture to keep them off.

Is it real sand?
Yes it is sand, but it is not from this beach. We are limited to how far we can push the height, verticality and overhangs of the sculpture depending on the characteristics of any given sand. This sand is from Davenport, Florida and has the qualities that allow us to create more difficult, taller, sheerer sculptures.

Is there any structure inside?
No. Every sculpture is solid sand and water.

Do you put anything on them?
The sun dries the sand and the wind blows it away. For this reason we spray diluted white school 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, we would not have to put anything on them.

How long will they be here?
Without security, unfortunately human intervention usually destroys them before the weather. We will flatten them when they are no longer recognizable.