2013 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition
Ten teams of master sand sculptors from the United States and abroad competing for 1st place on the #1 beach will be back Nov. 15-18, 2013, for the 4th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic. The 2013 Presenting Sponsor is Margaritaville Apparel. The Crystal Classic has become a favorite of many of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here. Citing the beauty and cleanliness of the pristine white sand, sculptors have remarked that their sculptures look almost as if they are “carved in marble.”
The Crystal Classic has connected visual art and the beach in ways never seen before in Sarasota and this year will certainly be no different. The four-day art event will include: master sand sculptors competing, with all day viewing Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday; over 50 vendors; live entertainment; and an amateur sand sculptor contest on Saturday. Off-site shuttle service will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, and sculpture viewing with the special Mobi-Mat on the sand for easier walking on Monday, Nov. 18.
Online, visitors can:
Purchase admission tickets, 4-day for only $10
Purchase 4-day VIP parking permits for $49
Donate any amount through our home page www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com
Proceeds of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic benefit Mote Marine Laboratory’s sea turtle research and conservation programs.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition founded in 2010, The Crystal Classic is a result of discussions between master sand sculptor and Siesta Key resident Brian Wigelsworth and representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Mote Marine Laboratory and the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Representatives from eight different countries will compete in the 4th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition presented by Margaritaville Apparel on November 15-18, 2013. Ten teams of two will sculpt for four days, creating elaborate sculptures 8-10’ in height, vying for $13,000 in prize money.
The ten master teams will consist of the following sculptors:
Craig Mutch, Canada (one of the 2012 winners) and Bill Dow, MT
Karen Fralich, Canada and Dan Belcher, MO (2011 winners)
Sandis Kondrats, Latvia (one of the 2010 winners) and Bert Adams, WA
Michela Ciappini, Italy and Jan Zelinka, Czech Republic
Abe Waterman, Canada (one of the 2012 winners) and Morgan Rudluff, CA
Steve Topazio, RI and Ron MacDonald, FL
Matt Long, NY and Andy Gertler, NY
Brett Stocker, Mexico and Fred Mallet, TX
Marek Elsner, Poland and Ulrich Braentsch, Germany
Sean Fitzpatrick, MA and Andy Hancock, TX
Master Sand Sculptors Suzanne Altamare, FL, will be managing the group logo carve and Walter McDonald, TX, will be giving sand sculpting lessons throughout the event. Master Sand Sculptor and a Crystal Classic Founder, Brian Wigelsworth of Sarasota, FL, will be the Event Sand Manager this year.
For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce –
941-349-3800; email info@SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com; or visit www.SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com
