The 2nd Annual Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition has concluded, and the winners have been chosen by both the judges and the public. This year’s event was pirate themed and brought thousands of viewers to see the creations the master sculpture artists completed from grains of sand into works of art.
It wasn’t just sculpting going on, though that is and will be the main draw for this event. There was music from local bands, food, beverages and other vendors. I spied Capt. Jack Sparrow weaving in and out of the crowd teasing a few. Capt. Jack Sparrow also held a Pirate School for kids 2 times a day during the event.
On Sunday afternoon the Judges Winners were chosen. They were People’s Choice: “Shh” by Susanne Ruseler. – 1st place: Andrius Petkus from Lithuania “Hugger-Mugger”
2nd place: David Ducharme from British Columbia “Intertwine”
3rd place: was a Tie: Melineige Beauregard from Hawaii “Barn Owl: Queen of the Night” and
Susanne Ruseler from Netherlands “Shh”
On Sunday night before closing there was a drone show in the skies above Misquamicut Beach for all to view. After closing the last day the beans were counted and the people’s choice for the event was chosen.
Atlantis RIsing is Rhode Island’s only sand sculpture competition. This year brought 10 internationally renowned sand artists from all over world to compete and show their talents and imagination to the public. The artist were given 4 days at the picturesque Misquamicut State Beach in South Rhode Island.
People’s Choice: “Shh” by Susanne Ruseler
1st place: Andrius Petkus from Lithuania – “Hugger-Mugger”
2nd place: David Ducharme from British Columbia – “Intertwine”
3rd place: was a Tie: Melineige Beauregard from Hawaii – “Barn Owl: Queen of the Night”
Third Place tie Winner – Susanne Ruseler from Netherlands – “Shh”
The entire event is a great draw for Southern Rhode Island. It’s a family friendly event that displays world class artists creating memorable sculptures that will return to their natural state after being admired by thousands. Last year drew over 26,000 to share in the fun. Let’s see how many came out this year. It’s bound to be more, and I think this will be a fall event that many look forward to each year in the future.
Article by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
Thanks to South County RI for hosting this event and all the artists who came out to share their spectacular work with the public.
