Sand sculptors compete at 2019 Crystal Classic

Sand sculptors owned the beach during the annual Crystal Classic competition Nov. 16 on Siesta Key.

This year had hundreds of attendees — many from across the country and globe - admiring the sand sculpture creations from a slew of artists. This year's event had eight individuals and eight teams of two creating sand castle art pieces across three days for a total sum of $15,000 in prizes. 

The American-Canadian team of Walter McDonald and Abe Waterman won $4,000 for the first place award with their sculpture “Mine is Bigger Than Yours.”

John Gowdy of Italy won first in the solo category ($2,000) for his work, “Sand Man Rises.”

Other award winners were: 

Second place team ($3,000): “No Place Like Home,” by Craig Mutch, Canada, and Emerson Shreiner, U.S.A.
Third place team ($2,000): “Mental Block,” by Peter Vogelaar, Canada and Manuel Campos, Colombia
Sculptors’ choice team ($1,000): “Mental Block,” Peter Vogelaar and Manuel Campos
Second place solo ($1,500): “Magic,” by Karen Fralich, Canada
Third place solo ($1,000): “Home is Not a Place,” by Maxim Gazendam, Netherlands
Sculptors’ choice solo ($500): “Home is Not a Place,” Maxim Gazendam 

Voting for the People's Choice awards for team and solo artists is open through 5 p.m. Monday. Winners will be announced Tuesday.