Presented by Visit St Pete Clearwater and The City of Treasure Island is proud to present Sanding Ovations, a sand sculpting exhibition like no other! With tons of sand and plenty of imagination, these master sculptors create amazing pieces right before your eyes. From realistic portraits to fantastical creatures, the sand sculptures at Sanding Ovations are sure to amaze.

Brief History of Sanding Ovations

Florida was home to the world’s largest sandcastle in 1985. Florida Governor Jeb Bush proclaimed Treasure Island as the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida in 2001. This is what helped lead to the creation of Sanding Ovations, an annual sand sculpting exhibition, and competition. Master sand sculptors from around the world come to Treasure Island to create sand masterpieces for everyone to enjoy.

Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup is a four-day Sand Sculpting exhibition and Music Festival, located on the beach behind the Bilmar Beach Resort on Treasure Island, Florida. The exhibition is filled with renowned, professional sand sculptors from all over North America, who create astonishing works of art using nothing but sand, water, and lots of their own imagination. Sanding Ovations is a free event held on the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida, Treasure Island.

Sanding Ovations is one of the largest masters competitions in the United States. Enjoy the spread-out beach food court, arts and crafts marketplace, and three days of live entertainment. Sanding Ovations Presents Sandhenge is a must-see sculpting exhibition while visiting Treasure Island, the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida

This year’s “Once Upon a Time” wonderland will be created through the imaginations of several sculptors.  Those sculpting include Sue McGrew, Deborah Barrett-Cutulle, Benoit Dutherage, Abe Waterman, Damon Meri, Melineige Beauregard, Fergus Mulvany, Dan, Meredith Doubleday, and Bruce Phillips.

Come to Treasure Island November 17-20, 2022 for a sand sculpting exhibition like no other! With tons of sand and plenty of imagination, these master sculptors create amazing pieces right before your eyes. Mark your calendars The fun starts November 17th – 20th, 2022, and Nov 26th and 27th.