Beauregard of Captain Cook, Hawaii, earned the top prize at the 25th annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic, which concluded on June 14. Her intricate three-piece sculpture titled “Aligned” depicts a serene woman with flowers woven into her hair and a striking headpiece. Beauregard received $6,000 for first place, $1,000 for the People’s Choice Award, and was personally selected as a favorite by Gov.
Kelly Ayotte. “It’s about how when your emotional, mental, and physical bodies are aligned, you can create beauty or whatever you want to create,” stated Beauregard. Filimonstev of Moscow, Russia, secured the $4,000 second-place award with his sculpture, “The Creation of Mermaid,” inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
He shared his experience of wanting to participate in previous years but being hindered by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and war.
Prize awarded at sand sculpting classic
Klimenko of Saint Petersburg, Russia, won third place and $3,000 with his sculpture “It Won’t Stay Forever,” which symbolizes the transient nature of life and the contrasting beliefs surrounding life and death.
The competition featured 10 master sand sculptors from across the globe, each using 10 tons of sand to bring their visions to life. Other notable entries included Abe Waterman’s playful sculpture “VerTickle,” Karen Fralich’s piece “Sing,” and Ile’s “To Touch the Stars.”
Andy Daily of Sarasota, Florida, presented “Monkey Mind,” a sculpture depicting mental chaos and the quest for inner peace. Greg Grady, a long-time participant and sponsor of the event, reflected on the contest’s growth over the years with his piece titled “Dream Weaver.”
The event’s rich history and rising standards were a common theme among returning artists.
Fralich, who has competed in 22 of the 25 contests, remarked on the increasing caliber of the sculptures and the competitive spirit. In addition to the main competition, sculptors collaborated on a stunning 100-ton “Sand Safari” exhibit featuring lions, tigers, elephants, and more, delighting beachgoers. “A safari is all about going on a journey, and that’s what we’ve been on for the past 24 years with this event,” noted Grady.
All sculptures will remain on display through June 23, illuminated for nightly viewing, offering visitors the chance to marvel at the transient beauty of these incredible sand creations.
