Arts & Entertainment

Sand Competition Renews Sculptors' Passions

As this year's competition comes to a close, not even inclement weather could wash away the smiles on the sand sculptors' faces.

Sunday gave the artists in the 2011 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Competition much needed time to recuperate, as the cold, rainy three-day contest last week took quite a physical toll.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, which were on par with some of the most difficult in the competition's 11-year history, sculptors said they wouldn't have traded the experience for anything in the world.

"I'm dedicated to this town -- I've been here every year and I can't leave," said Carl Jara, 38, of Lyndhurst, Ohio. "It's a really great place. There's this crazy freakin' energy here, and this really is my family. We have a great relationship. What a magical (expletive) thing."

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Jara, who placed fifth this year, said the weather -- especially the 2 1/2 inches of rain on Saturday, the final day -- made the difficult work "brutal."

Justin Gordon, a Groveland, Mass., man who placed third this year after winning the 2010 competition, called the work "back-breaking." That term is magnified when you consider that the most effective way for the sculptors to stay warm during the 21 hours of competition is by shoveling their dense sand.

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While the rain, in small doses, actually helps the sandy creations, most of the artists faced some difficulties this year due to Mother Nature. 

Marc Lepire, of Quebec, Canada, was working to finish his piece Saturday morning, hours before the final voting, when his "Phase Shifter" sculpture was literally decapitated due to steady rain.

Lepire didn't quit, though, and he was able to recreate the crumbled head during what many called the most difficult day of the competition. The sculptors overcame it, though -- none more so than Lepire.

He took home first place and the Sculptor's Choice award for his piece, and when he accepted the awards and  Saturday, there was a palpable sense of relief and pride in his eyes.

The pride that comes with makes these creations, even if they are temporary masterpieces, is what many of the sculptors said has kept and will keep bringing them back each year, difficulties and all.

"To be able to make something so quick for other people to enjoy is awesome," said Greg Grady, Jr., a Londonderry resident and son of Greg Grady, the founder of the Hampton competition.

"There isn't anything I could do for that long that could satisfy me other than this," said Jara. "I really love doing this."

The pride is something that also rubs off on the spectators, as many drove from all over New England last week to view the creations.

"Each one has their own style and variations," said Kim Riley, of Auburn, Mass., who said Grady Jr.'s sculpture of Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was her favorite. "The detail is amazing."

Beth Spencer, of Methuen, Mass., came to Hampton with her family just to see the sculptures, and said she wasn't disappointed. Neither was her husband, Dave Spencer, who said the towering sand castles "add a lot" to the appearance of the beach.

"It's the perfect place," he said. "Half of the (thousands of people) here are here for this, and the other half walk by without knowing about it, but come over because they see all the detailed work. It's a great way to utilize them."

The sand sculptures will remain on the beach for viewing through Wednesday. Click here for more information.


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