2025 Sculptors

Master Sand Sculptors

Bruce Peck – St Louis, Missouri

Master Sand Sculptor – 3rd Place 2024
Bruce Peck was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. It only took one year of studying architecture to scare him far, far away from the arts, into a lifelong career as a CPA. That career took him all over the U.S. and Canada and kept the left side of his brain on overload. For almost 30 years, his most artistic endeavor was clipping coupons from the Sunday paper. Then he moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Playing on some of the top ranked beaches in North America turned out to be his path back to his lost love for creating art. Bruce spent the next six years developing his skills through trial and error. Along the way he has seen many beautiful locations, met a lot of wonderful people, and soaked in the festival atmosphere … he was instantly addicted. Bruce has been competing against the best in the world at the Master level for a couple of years now.

Bruce Waugh – Langley British Columbia, Canada

Master Sand Sculptor – 1^st Place 2024
Sculpting sand, snow and pumpkins now for 30 yrs! Bruce has won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in many events over these years… too many to list! Inspired by the last White Rock Sea Festival (B.C. Canada) in 1987 Bruce researched at the library (old fashioned way on microfiche!) the archives of the cable TV show that featured the event. With the “I can do that” attitude he went down to beach with a shovel and a piece of driftwood, the resulting sculpture of a frog made front-page news of the local paper… he was hooked! Bruce, a contractor in Langley B.C. completes beautiful renovations for his clients but always falls back to his “hobby blown out of proportion!

John Gowdy – Atlantic City, New Jersey

Master Sand Sculptor
John hails from Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he proudly served for 27 years as a Fire Captain with the Atlantic City Fire Department and spent 7 summers as a beach lifeguard. With 34 years in public service under his belt, he eventually “fell into the sand trap”—and never looked back. For over 30 years, John has been sculpting sand professionally around the globe. His remarkable portfolio includes high-profile projects such as:

•  A commemorative sculpture for The White House Commission of Remembrance on the beaches of Normandy, France, honoring the D-Day landings
•  A tribute to Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City…to name just a few.

John has won our event more times than any other sand sculptor.

Laurie Tournoux – Navarre, Ohio

Master Sand Sculptor 

Laurie has been sculpting sand since the late 1990’s and became a Master Sculptor in 2002.  By day, Laurie has been the Tax Commissioner of Louisville, OH for over 29 years.  By night, weekend, vacations, and all holidays – she is known as the Logo Queen and you can find her with her hands and toes in the sand on a beach, inside a convention center, and or a local school or park. Laurie opened her own sand company in 2002.  As logos are her gift in sand, she revolves around commissioned works of sand as well as logo event promotions!  In Laurie’s career she has “embossed” well over 7,000 logos in sand.  Laurie does approximately 22 sand projects a year which includes a few competitions throughout the USA and Canada.  Although Laurie has been time limited to sand projects over the years, she has managed to place in several Master Competitions. One of Laurie’s favorite sayings in the sand pit is… let the sand stand!  Sand is not just one of those things for kids… it is for all those individuals walking the earth who are young at heart and that have a passion for making themselves and others smile!

Matthew Deibert – Atlantic City, New Jersey

Master Sand Sculptor

Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey—the birthplace of professional sand sculpting—Matthew Deibert grew up just steps from the shoreline, where the sand quickly became both his playground and his canvas. Inspired by family trips to the beach, Matthew began shaping sand into castles, tunnels, and imaginative structures long before realizing it would one day become his life’s work. As he explored the history of sand sculpting in his hometown, Matthew’s passion for the medium grew. He combined that enthusiasm with a broader love for the arts, earning a BA in Graphic Design from Mercyhurst University and a BFA in Sculpture from Stockton University. Matthew has traveled the globe to sculpt—from the beaches of Normandy to the shores of Florida and beyond. He thrives on live performance, turning sand sculpting into an interactive experience filled with artistry, storytelling, and humor. For Matthew, it’s not just about what you build—it’s about the connection you create in the moment. When he’s not sculpting, you’ll find Matthew enjoying life with his family along the New Jersey shore or out on the golf course—though he admits he tries to avoid the sand there.

Oleksa Poda – Poltava City, Ukraine 

Master Sand Sculptor

I was born in 1981 in Belorussia, then my family moved to Ukraine in 1991 where I live now. I graduated from Poltava Children Art School, and Poltava National Technical University as Master of Architecture and interior design. I was working in different architectural bureau from 2006 till 2017, and now I work as an entrepreneur for my own brand. In 2014  I started participating in different international sculpture competitions. The first one was in Chicago and Breckenridge Colorado snow sculpture competitions. Now I participate in different snow, ice, sand and also straw and hay sculpture competitions around the world. I won prizes in various sand, ice and snow sculpture competitions. I have never participated in sand sculpture competitions in the USA yet, and for me this is great opportunity to try the sand on another continent and represent my country.

Remy Hoggard – Netherlands

Master Sand Sculptor – Sculptors Choice 2025

Remy has sculpted in international festivals, sand sculpture contests and PR jobs. In 2003 she found her Sandman, Paul Hoggard, since then they have sand sculpted and traveled the world, wherever the sand takes them. This lifestyle suits her well, she is very inquisitive and adventurous, really enjoys going to new places and meeting new people and making new friends. She loves the blue of the sea and the green of plants, she likes to cook with foraged foods and studies the abundance nature provides. The human faces Remy creates out of sand are among the best in the world; they seem to be alive. She specializes in perfectly proportioned human figures and is also well known for her use of forced perspective and depth in her sculptures. The last few years she really got into sculpting big life like animals; cats, dogs, apes, lions, elephants, birds. Audiences all over the world have been amazed and fascinated to see these temporary sculptures appear out of the sand. Sand sculpture is an ecologically friendly art form and all sculptures are made with heart and soul. Remy is a passionate artist, come see her create her sand art!

Paul Hoggard – England

Master Sand Sculptor

Paul made his first sand sculpture on Baga beach in India. Since then, he has created thousands of sculptures for events, festivals, and international competitions. Paul is very grateful that the creation of sand sculptures, which is a passion to him, takes him all over the world where he meets all these interesting and beautiful people. Because yes: he likes to talk! Paul sculpted for and met the Queen of England (in 2000 at the Royal Cornwall Show). His work has been profiled by several TV agencies, and appeared in international newspapers, magazines and books. He has been called ‘the original sand man’, ‘King of the castles’ and ‘a free artist’. Paul has a striking appearance and has taken up modeling and acting. He has already made appearances in international commercials and is now aiming for a role in a Viking or Highlander movie. He is a natural in front of the camera and a public speaker

Todd Pangborn – Jamestown, New York

Master Sand Sculptor – 2^nd Place 2025

Driven by a need and desire to create, Todd turned that need into a mechanical design and Engineering career spanning over 40 years. After the need was satisfied, he turned his attention to the desire. The desire coupled with a restlessness turned into a 17-year long sand sculpting affair. It wasn’t quick and he wasn’t always sure it would flourish but he liked how it made him feel when he accomplished something new, and he saw the expressions on spectators’ faces as they admired his artwork. Those feelings kept the drive alive and pushed him to keep pursuing the dream.

After a brief courtship as an advanced amateur filled with success, learning and building his confidence, he stepped into the world of master sand sculptor in 2014 with the full support of his understanding wife and 2 daughters. Even though he is self-taught, the passion for art and the desire to create keeps pushing him forward. However, Sand sculpting is still just a part time endeavor that gives him a much-needed break from his typical day as a Mechanical Engineer.

Todd is also an award-winning wood carver making wall hanging art as well as full sculptural carvings which are available for purchase.  He hopes to expand his wood carving and sand sculpting into retirement activities in the near future.  

Ferenc Monostori – Hungary

Master Sand Sculptor

My name is Ferenc Monostori. I was born on February 5, 1978, in Budapest, Hungary. From an early age, I was drawn to the world of fine arts. I spent countless hours carving, drilling, and drawing—creating with whatever materials I could find. This early passion naturally evolved into a more focused pursuit. In 1996, after graduating from high school, I officially committed to sculpture and began studying at the Bokányi Dezső Secondary School of Applied Arts, majoring in stone sculpture. It was during a practical course in Pilisszentiván that I truly felt it—sculpture wasn’t just a discipline, it was my path. From 1999, I continued developing my skills at the Napút Free Art College, both as a student and a practicing artist. However, in 2002, I paused my studies and traveled to Portugal to explore new opportunities. There, I met Portuguese sculptor Mário Miranda. We became close friends and collaborators, working together on large-scale public artworks and smaller stone sculptures. One of our highlights was a joint exhibition at the historic Fortaleza de Sagres—a 600-year-old former navigation school once visited by Christopher Columbus. It was during this exhibition that I encountered the organizer of FIESA, the International Sand Sculpture Festival. I was invited to participate, and since then, sand sculpture has taken me across the globe. Each project has deepened my understanding of form, texture, and the fleeting beauty of ephemeral art. In 2020, I began a new and deeply personal journey: creating a series of small sculptures from home. These intimate works hold great meaning for me, and I believe this direction will define the next chapter of my artistic life.

Advanced Amateur Sand Sculptors

Scott Tripplett – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor – 3rd Place 2025

“Scott started sculpting sand in 2018 after a long career as a snow sculptor. He has competed in the Great Lakes, Texas, and is returning for a second time to Fort Myers Beach. His themes are mainly focused on whimsical animals, but will occasionally venture into more serious subjects if inspired”

Todd is also an award-winning wood carver making wall hanging art as well as full sculptural carvings which are available for purchase.  He hopes to expand his wood carving and sand sculpting into retirement activities in the near future.

Mark Wilson – Astatula, Florida

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

I’ve lived in Florida for nearly my entire life, except for the two years Uncle Sam thought I should live in Texas. I never really liked the beach. Then, in June 2011, I discovered sand sculpting. Finally! A reason to go to the beach! Lots of sand and water. For a few hours I’m able to set aside everything and focus on carving sand. Each time I pound up, I try to extend my skills. Sometimes I push a little too far but, that’s good, too. In November 2011, I entered the amateur contest during the World Championships at Ft. Myers Beach to gauge my abilities. I was awarded third place in the adult solo division. In 2012 I was honored with an invitation to compete in the advanced amateur Florida State championship. It was a great experience. Since then, I’ve participated in many more contests in Florida, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. I’ve learned from each one. But, more importantly, this is fun.

Pete Faverio – New Castle, Delaware

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Pete Faverio 62 years young, originally from Delaware, now residing in North East Maryland, started playing in the sand in 2016, but got inspired by Matt Long in 2019 after meeting him and his lovely wife Nina in the Cayman Islands. We were both playing in the sand on the same beach and on that January day his words of encouragement and the inspiration he provided me has changed the way I now play in the sand. The introduction to the Delaware Sand Bears (Darrell, Andy, Marc, Lynn, Adam, Heather and Len) opened my eyes to a whole new understanding of what can be done in the sand and the great people that share the same passions. That year was my first sandcastle competition and to my surprise I was honored first place at the Wildwood Crest Sand Festival. I am now competing in the Pro-Amateur events like with Clearwater Sugar Sand Festival 1st place 2024, Bast on the beach in Bermuda Sandcastle competition 2022 & 2024 & 1st place 2023. Most resent Wildwood Crest Sand Festival 2025 Peoples choice. And now my first American’s event on Fort Myers Beach at Diamond Head Resort.

Marcie Cowles – Louisville, Ohio

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

My art style for sand is typically whimsy and family oriented. I got started by helping my mentor with various projects in Ohio approximately 9 years ago. I embrace learning and then challenging myself to apply it. Being able to see art in my mind and then bring it to life is super exciting!! As an artist, I like that sand sculpting allows me to share my thoughts with others through a unique perspective because folks do not need words to hear each other. I am also passionate about my faith, my family, dogs, and exercise. They are also a few things that inspire my art.