Wordless Wednesday: Sandsculptures from 2011 Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Kirk Rademaker and Helena Bangert, "Key of C - Esta"
Kirk Rademaker and Helena Bangert, "Key of C - Esta"

Siesta Key’s powder soft, white sand served as the artistic medium for 12 pairs of Master Sandsculptors competing in the 2011 Siesta Key Crystal Classic World Championships over the weekend. Can I just say, “awesome”? I’ll just let the images do the talking.

The sculpture called “Nightmares” by Master Sandculptors Karen Fralich and Dan Belch captured first place along with People’s Choice and Sculptor’s Choice Awards. “Something Fishy” earned Mote Marine’s Award and took second place overall while “Back to School Nightmares” rounded out the top three.

Enjoy and plan to attend in 2012!

Chris Guinto and Rusty Croft, "Something Fishy" Earned Second Place, Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Chris Guinto and Rusty Croft, "Something Fishy" Earned Second Place, Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Rodrigo Ferreira and Lucinda Wierenga, "Ab-Duction" Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Rodrigo Ferreira and Lucinda Wierenga, "Ab-Duction" Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Amazin Walter and Joo Heng Tan, "What a Catch" Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Amazin Walter and Joo Heng Tan, "What a Catch" Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
John Gowdy and Brad Goll, "Back to School Nightmare", Earned Third Place, Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
John Gowdy and Brad Goll, "Back to School Nightmare", Earned Third Place, Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
"Nightmares" by Master Sandculptors Karen Fralich and Dan Belch Won 2011's Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Championships, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
"Nightmares" by Master Sandculptors Karen Fralich and Dan Belch Won 2011's Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Championships, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Dan Belch and Karen Fralich Who Sculpted "Nightmares" Celebrates their Win at the Siessta Key Crystal Classic, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011
Dan Belch and Karen Fralich Who Sculpted "Nightmares" Celebrates their Win at the Siessta Key Crystal Classic, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 13, 2011

View additional photos including some from Day 2 of the competition over on Flickr.

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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