MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Art presents itself in many forms in our beautiful state, even sand.
“Who would’ve thought that we’d have something so cool like this in Manitowoc,” said Courtney Hansen, the Director of Tourism in Manitowoc.
The inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival brings one-of-a-kind creations to Manitowoc’s lakeshore.
The festival kicked off on Friday, July 14, with activity lineups through Sunday, July 16.
This three-day event is held at the city’s Red Arrow Park and Beach.
The 2023 Amateur Sand Sculpting State Championship takes place on Saturday and is open to both individuals and teams, pre-registration is required.
Hansen said this festival provides opportunities for visitors to learn a new skill.
“…a family fun event where folks from all over the state can come and experience Manitowoc’s beautiful beachfront and this awesome art form that sand sculpting is. We don’t have anything like it here in Wisconsin,” added Hansen.
10 competitive semi-pro sand sculptors construct their sculptures throughout the experience as they compete for the top prizes and an award ceremony concludes the weekend.
Attendees can watch and chat with competing sculptors in action, participate in hands-on amateur competitions, and watch sand sculpting demonstrations and speed sculpting shows.
Bill Knight, a master sculptor that helped spearhead the festival, said this is a rare experience for the 10 featured artists.
“Showcasing their work and being able to practice at this level, they’re semi-pro or what we call advanced amateur where you get three days, full days to work on your sand sculpture… here it’s all secure and they can do whatever they want… it’s a lot of fun for them,” added Knight.
A variety of live performances, food and drinks, and vendor booths (cash only) can also be enjoyed as visitors watch the artists hard at work.
“It’s going to be an exciting day because the sculptors are going to finish their sculpture that they’ve been working on Friday, Saturday, and in the morning on Sunday and then we’re gonna crown our winners,” added Hansen.
The Festival wraps up today. Organizers hope to create a Great Lakes Sand Sculpting Championship in the future to further showcase these specialized artists.
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