The Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition has brought crowds to Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Ten sculptors from around the world have gathered to showcase their sand sculpting skills and compete for a $7,500 first-place prize. Each sculptor receives 14 tons of sand and has 30 hours of carving time, plus an additional day for shoveling.
The resulting sculptures are truly spectacular, with one artist creating a likeness of a dear friend who recently passed away, complete with his signature LA Dodgers baseball cap. “It’s a great mix of being an artist and a kid, plus a blue-collar laborer,” remarked one sculptor. Despite the temporary nature of their creations, the artists find the experience rewarding.
“To make something ephemeral to honor the passing of dear friend seems fitting. It reminds me more of performance art, or cooking a good meal. There’s something about doing it for the love of doing it that I think is very honest to life’s experience,” said one participant.
International sand sculpting competition shines
Last year’s winner has taken a different approach, portraying a child riding on the back of a giant fish. “I chose the position of the boy and the fish like Saint George who fights with the dragon,” he explained.
The overall theme of this year’s competition is “Enchanted Garden.” One sculptor noted, “Sand, there’s something magical about it. Everybody has played in the sand. To make something like this in another medium would take months or weeks, maybe even years.”
In addition to the competition, the event features food trucks, costumed characters, and kid-friendly activities.
However, attendees are advised to leave their dogs at home. The event, now in its third year, is Rhode Island’s first and only international sand sculpting competition. South County Tourism Council President Louise Bishop expressed optimism that moving the event to Ninigret Park and hosting it during the peak season will attract even larger crowds than the 26,000 people who attended the 2023 competition at Misquamicut State Beach.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 for adults and children over 10, $7 for children aged 6 to 10, and free for children 5 and under. The event runs from May 31 to June 1, rain or shine.
