2026 Sculptors

Master Sand Sculptors

Bruce Peck – St Louis, Missouri

Master Sand Sculptor
Bruce Peck was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  It only took a 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 three decades, 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 a lost love for creating art … especially three-dimensional art! Now a master sculptor competing alongside the best in the world in sand and snow, Bruce travels far and wide using his detailed, expressive style to infuse deeper meaning into his creations. Bruce is currently living outside of Houston, Texas.  Any chance to get back to Florida, where it all started for him brings great inspiration!

Bruce Waugh – Langley British Columbia, Canada

Master Sand Sculptor
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 the 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 the American’s event more times than any other sand sculptor.

Amanda Bolduc – Estero, FL

Master Sand Sculptor 

When she’s not sculpting, Amanda is a proud Army Combat Engineer veteran, devoted wife, mother of three, former homeschool mom, and an ICON Real Estate Agent serving Southwest Florida. For Amanda, sculpting is more than creating beautiful artwork—it’s about inspiring others to discover what can be created with imagination, patience, and a pile of sand.

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.  

Remy Hoggard – Netherlands

Master Sand Sculptor

Remy Hoggard from the Netherlands, a sand artist since 1999. Together with Paul, her Sandman, she runs Sandartist Ltd and organizes sand events all over the world. Over the last 25 years she has sculpted in more than 30 countries. Creating sand art at theme parks, pr jobs, festivals, doing charity work, portraits and competitions. Have a shovel, will travel.

In 2003 she found her Sandman, Paul Hoggard, since then they have sand sculpted and traveled the world, where ever the sand takes them. This lifestyle suits her well. She is very inquisitive and adventurous, really enjoys going to new places 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 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 her sculptures are made with heart and soul. This 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 in the year of our lord 1991. He has since created thousands of sand sculptures for PR events TV programs Royal shows  Art festivals and international Master class sand sculpture events around the world and many other events and competitions in over 30 countries. Paul is very grateful that the creation of sand sculptures, which is a lifelong passion to him, has taken him all over the world where he meets many interesting and beautiful people to share his gift with. Paul sculpted for and met the Queen of England (in 2000 at the Royal Cornwall Show). His work has been profiled by several international 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 is also a working model and actor. He has made appearances in International commercials, tv documentaries , children’s tv, and many international casts. He has just finished work on a Netflix show and has participated in several other filming projects. A natural in front of the camera and also a public speaker.

Todd Pangborn – Jamestown, New York

Master Sand Sculptor

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 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.  

Laurie A. Arntz-Tournoux – Navarre, Ohio

Master Sand Sculptor

Laurie A. Arntz-Tournoux, calls Navarre, Ohio home.  Laurie has been sculpting sand since the late 90’s and became a Master Sculptor in 2002.  By day, Laurie has been the Tax Commissioner of Louisville, OH for over 33 years.  She is a “Mimi” to two upcoming novices in sand – her grandchildren.  By night, weekends, 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.  One of Laurie’s favorite saying 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! 

Joon Park – California

Master Sand Sculptor

Joon Park began sand sculpting in 2015 at just 17 years old. What started as helping carry buckets of sand and water at a local sand sculpting competition into a full-time career as a content creator under the name JPSandman. Over the years, he has built an audience of more than 1.5 million followers across social media. Largely self-taught, Joon had no formal art school training and relied on dedication, practice, and countless hours of creating sand sculpting tutorials to develop his skills. Today, he travels the world creating sand art for events, major companies, and celebrities while continuing to share his passion online. Joon’s next goal is to focus on competing in sand sculpting competitions and pushing his artistry to new heights.

Sèveline Beauregard – Quebec, Canada

Master Sand Sculptor 

Born deep in the forests of Canada, Sèveline Beauregard developed a love for the arts at an early age. After learning how to be a circus artist for ten years, she followed in her family’s footsteps and pursued a career in sculpture. In 2016, she began working at Québec’s famous Ice Hotel, honing her skills in ice carving and learning from her family’s well-established carving legacy. Always eager to learn, Sèveline expanded into sand sculpting in 2018 and quickly found success, winning an award in her first year. Since then, she has traveled the world creating sculptures in sand, snow, and ice. Today, she is the owner of a renowned family-run carving company in Québec. Sèveline believes sculpting is about being fully present in the moment, allowing creativity and craftsmanship to come together.

Brett Stocker – Los Cobos, Mexico

Master Sand Sculptor

Brett was born in Kenya and now calls Santa Anita, Los Cabos, BCS, Mexico, home.

He has been involved in sand sculpting for the last 30 years and his sand carving experience has given him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world and win numerous awards.  Brett and has wife manage a resort in Mexico, and his other hobby is raising organic chickens.

Advanced Amateur Sand Sculptors

Scott Tripplett – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

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

Mark Wilson – Astatula, Florida

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

I’m a retired software professional. I’ve lived in Florida my entire life, except for the two years Uncle Sam thought I should live in Texas. I never really liked the beach until June 2011 when I discovered sand sculpting. I finally found a reason to go to the beach – lots of sand and water. For a few hours at a time I can set aside everything to 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.

I entered my first amateur contest in Ft. Myers Beach in November 2011 and placed third. Since then, I’ve participated in numerous contests throughout Florida, in Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana winning many 1st, 2nd, 3rd, sculptors and peoples choice medals.

While awards are nice, the best part of contests is meeting others with the same affliction, the opportunity to rub elbows with the master’s and visiting with the folks who come out to see our work.

Pete Faverio – New Castle, Delaware

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Pete Faverio 63 years young, originally from Delaware, now residing in Northeast Maryland, started playing in the sand 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 encouragement and the inspiration he provided me changed the way I now play in the sand. The introduction to the 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 with first place at the Wildwood Crest Sand Festival. I am now competing in pro-amateur events like the Clearwater Sugar Sand Festival 1st place 2024 & 2025, Siesta Key Crystal Classic 1st place 2022, Best on the beach Bermuda sandcastle competition 2022,2024 & 2025, and my most prestigious to date is The American Sand Sculpting Championship at Fort Myers Beach at The Diamond Head Resort 2025 1st place, peoples choose, and sculptors choose. This will be hard to top but I will give it my best!!!

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.

Darrell O’Connor – Dewey Beach, Delaware

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

“When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something you have left behind. Let it be something good.” – Heartsill Wilson

I live in Wilmington, Delaware, but for the past 40 years, I’ve spent my summer weekends at Dewey Beach, where my love of building sandcastles began and continues to this day.

My journey into sand sculpting began in the mid-1980s, when, after years of building sandcastles on the beach just for fun, my friends and family encouraged me to enter the Rehoboth Beach Sandcastle Contest. I didn’t place that first time, but I kept practicing and refining my skills, learning mostly through trial and error and the occasional how-to book. The persistence paid off, and I went on to win the Rehoboth competition nine times. Since then I have competed  in Florida, Michigan, Indiana, Maine, Texas, Bermuda, and Virginia.

While I’ve experimented with sculpting other subjects—with mixed results—I’ve discovered that my true passion is creating castles. I hope you enjoy my sculpture, take a little inspiration from it, and perhaps leave with a renewed appreciation for what can be created with nothing more than sand, water, and a little imagination.

Resa Wohlrabe

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Resa is a multi-award-winning artist for her work in oil and acrylic paintings. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas and her trips to the third-coast beach are among favorite childhood memories. Her unexpected love of sand sculpting arose out of doodling mandalas and animals on the beaches of Port Aransas, Texas with a stick. She began her sand sculpting journey there at Sandfest as an amateur. She has won her amateur division several times, learning to hone her skills and striving to one day be as good as the masters she looks up to. She loves getting her hands and toes buried in the sand, connecting to the earth with artistry. She thinks it is an artistic sensory experience like no other where a physical and mental connection both must be in harmony

Shannon Summey – Bonita Springs, Florida

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Shannon Summey is a talented artist with a knack for making magic happen across all kinds of media, but sand is definitely his favorite and most exciting playground. Living in sunny Florida for over twenty years, he’s got a deep love for the coast that always shows in his beautifully detailed creations. With a background in Architectural and Industrial Design, Shannon brings a creative twist to everything he builds. He’s a multiple award winner at big-name events like the Clearwater Beach Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival and the Ft. Myers Beach American Sand Sculpting Championship, and you might spot him at other cool contests like the Siesta Key Crystal Classic. But the real fun? On weekends, you can catch Shannon crafting awesome sand sculptures on Southwest Florida’s beaches for anyone and everyone to enjoy—locals, tourists, and beach lovers alike

Shannon Fishback – Acworth, Georgia

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

I started sculpting in 2012. I competed in my first competition in 2014. I have competed in Florida at Fort Myers Beach, Siesta Key, New Smyrna Beach and Clearwater beach and internationally in Canada in Saint John, New Brunswick. Living in Georgia I spend most of my vacations in Florida playing in the sand. I have been teaching High School for 21 years and find sand sculpting a great way to relax and recharge my batteries. I am continuously trying new ideas and pushing the limits of sand.

Dottie Willison – Melvin, Michigan

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Dottie is a well versed, ambitious artist that has been sculpting for about 6 years. When she first got into sand sculpting, she really didn’t think that she was going to love it as much as she did. However, she dove in headfirst and tried to absorb as much as she could. She now is completely hooked on this unique art form of sand sculpting. She attends various competitions throughout the year and also has been on a sand sculpting television show called “Race Against the Tide” that was filmed in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada. This will not be the last you see this sculptor; she is hungry and thirsting for more!

Tyler Morris – Floresville, Texas

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Tyler Morris is from Floresville, Texas. A 20-year veteran Paramedic/Flight Paramedic in Kendall County, Texas. Tyler started sand sculpting 3 to 4 years ago at a simple request from his daughter to make a unicorn and a castle while on vacation at the beach. This sparked an interest and newfound hobby between Tyler and his wife Lauren, which started making sand sculptures on the beach as a hobby. Tyler and Lauren were prompted by vacationers and locals to compete in Texas Sand Fest.

Lauren Waldo – Floresville, Texas

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Lauren is from Floresville, Texas and is a 20-year Registered Nurse/Flight Nurse in San Antonio, Texas who started sand sculpting 3/4 years ago at a simple request from her daughter to make a unicorn and a castle while on vacation at the beach. This sparked an interest and newfound hobby between Lauren and her husband Tyler, which started making sand sculptures on the beach as a hobby.

Bob May – St. Clair Shores. Michigan

Semi-Pro Sand Sculptor

Bob’s lifelong interest in building scratch built Great Lake freighters has led to his startup of the paper model boat kit company, Lake Freighter Minis, where he is able to use his creative and designing skills. He and his wife attended the 2014 Blue Water SandFest and enjoyed seeing all the amazing sand sculptures. After watching the Masters, receiving pointers from an Advanced Amateur and the “you can do this” support from his wife, he entered and won first place in the 2014 and 2015 Amateur Division and was the Michigan State Champion for the Amateur Division.