Sand Sculptures by Sand World International

Artist: Various artists from Sand World International, San Marcos, CA.
Location: Imperial Beach, CA, near I.B. Pier Plaza.
Sand sculpture each Saturday, June-Sept.

Only in a place like Imperial Beach, California, can laughing dolphins, menacing dragons and other whimsical creatures emerge magically from the sun-drenched sands to delight the imagination of child and adult alike, and then just as mysteriously vanish into the relentless rolling combers that tirelessly sweep these golden shores.

Each Saturday throughout the summer months, artists-in-residence create a new and original sculpture in sand near I.B. Pier Plaza. This community generated project, funded under the Port's Public Art Program, showcases the unique art form of sand sculpting and is a fine example of artwork that involves the community. Indeed local youth groups provide artists with ideas and concepts for sculptures that reflect the local identity and culture. Onlookers are encouraged to observe the progress of each piece, assist as available, and discuss the artwork with the artists.

Individual sculptures can be up to 5-feet high. They are made from highly compacted sand, which is sculpted with forms, shovels, hoses and other hand sculpting tools. Each is sprayed with a safe glue/water mixture to ensure relative durability. Though transitory in nature, the sand sculptures collectively provide a lively and dynamic element to the summer beach and art scene at Imperial Beach.