International sand sculpting champions were declared on November 17 during the 10th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which is drawing thousands to Siesta Public Beach. Awards were presented to winning teams of two and solo master sand sculptors. The Crystal Classic drew seven teams of two and nine solo artists from nations around the world, including Singapore, Canada, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Columbia, Ireland and U.S. states including California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. Team sculptors Walter McDonald, U.S.A. and Abe Waterman, Canada, won first prize ($4,000) for “Mine is Bigger Than Yours.” First place in the solo artist category was John Gowdy, Italy, for “Sand Man Rises,” $2000. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Siesta Key Crystal Classic will benefit student scholarships at Ringling College of Art and Design and will assist talented, creative students so that they may be able to pursue their dreams of higher education in art and design.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic