The shores of Sand Island in St. Helens, Oregon, come alive with intricate sculptures and artistic fervor during the Sand Island Sand Castle Competition held every summer.
Unfortunately, sand sculpture enthusiasts will have to wait until 2025 for the next competition. This year’s event, originally scheduled for Aug. 3, was canceled due to “logistical challenges and a transition in event management services,” according to organizers.
Nevertheless, in its third year in 2023, the competition showcased the remarkable talents of 18 contestants who transformed ordinary sand into extraordinary works of art.
Two-person teams were randomly selected as collaborators for the entirety of the event. Among the contestants were seasoned veterans like Bill Rose, who boasted nearly three decades of experience, and newcomers like Hayden Wright, a professional wood carver trying his hand at sand for the first time.
“This will be the first sand sculpting I’ve ever done,” Wright shared.
Related: Building castles made of sand at the long-running Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Sand sculpting is a two-step process. Initially, the sculptors dedicate nearly an entire day to compacting large sand blocks, pounding them relentlessly until the sand is extremely hard and dense. The sculptors then carve away at the sand, chiseling both large and small chunks, gradually unveiling exquisite and intricately detailed masterpieces.
James Stugart studied a half-finished sculpture he’d been meticulously carving.
“I guess it’s similar to drawing,” Stugart said. “This would be the sketch phase where you’re putting your foundation down. Then you get rid of all the stuff that you don’t want, and start refining into the detail work.”
Each piece had a unique meaning and significance to the artists. Sculpting veteran Leonard Gonzales collaborated on a sculpture entitled Harvest Moon.
“It was really just a look at different styles of fishing throughout history,” Gonzales said. “It started with a Native American spearfishing out of a canoe, and then off to the side a bear who’s fishing the natural way.”
After three days of intense focus and creativity, Harvest Moon emerged victorious. Gonzales reflected on the ephemeral nature of sand sculpting.
“I’m glad that the tide is going to take it away,” Gonzales said. “I get to get my mind wrapped around whatever the next project is.”