November 14, 2018 – (Key West, FL). Key West Art & Historical Society sponsors Treasure Dig at upcoming International Sand Art Competition
On Wednesday, November 21 through Saturday, November 24, visitors can watch eight internationally-renowned sculptors create masterpieces out of sand from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily as they compete in the Fourth International Sand Art Competition at the Casa Marina Resort beach in Key West. The free event includes a Key West Art & Historical Society sponsored “Treasure Dig” to take place at 2p.m. Friday, November 23, and an awards ceremony on Saturday at 5p.m.
Sand Art Competition festival-goers can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to dig and destroy the sand art for a slew of prizes, including a silver “piece of eight” treasure coin from the 1715 fleet shipwrecks (valued at $1,000 and provided by Neptune Designs), art, water sport adventures, sunset sails, museum tickets, spa services, gift certificates to restaurants in Key West, and more. Diggers collect as many fake buried coins as they can in a series of rounds with three competing during each. The digger with the most coins wins first pick
Raffle tickets will go on sale Wednesday November 21st on the beach at the event booth—1 for $5, 4 for $20. Every digger wins and leftover treasure is raffled to ticket purchasers.
The dig honors pioneering folk artist Stanley Papio, the rebellious Florida Keys welder-turned-artist who explored recycled materials long before it was hip to be rusty. The treasure will beguarded by a prize-winning, large-as-life dragon created by David Hutchison for the 2018 Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade.
On Saturday, sand sculptors will put final touches on their work prior to judging from 1p.m. – 4p.m. Visitors can cast their vote for the popular “People’s Choice Award” while enjoying live music performed by Rolando Rojas’ ‘3 Amigos.’
“I’m looking forward to continuing this Thanksgiving tradition of spending time with family and friends while enjoying the creative atmosphere this event brings to Key West,” says Marianne van den Broek, event organizer and owner of Key West’s professional sand sculpting business Just Sand And Water, LLC.
The 2018 International Sand Art Competition is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For more information about the 2018 International Sand Art Competition, the six competing sand sculptors, and a full calendar of events, visit www.sandartkeywest.comor follow International Sand Art Competition on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Key West Art & Historical Society and their various programs, events, and exhibitions, visit kwahs.org or call 305.295.6616. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
Photo Caption:
Spectators view a sand art sculpture celebrating Flagler’s Railroad at a previous year’s International Sand Art Competition event. Attendee’s at the 2018 festival, which runs November 21-24, will have the opportunity to participate in a Key West Art & Historical Society sponsored “Treasure Dig” for valuable prizes at 2p.m. on Friday, November 23. (Photo courtesy Johnny White/Mile ZERO)