The 2023 Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach has brought together over 30 sand sculptors from around the world for its signature sand sculpting competition, where thousands of dollars are at stake. These artists have converged on the sandy shores of Virginia Beach to showcase their incredible talent, turning mounds of sand into breathtaking works of art. Each sculpture tells a unique story, and for the artists, it’s a profound connection between art and life.
One remarkable sand sculpture titled “Connection” embodies this theme perfectly. Created by the husband and wife duo Ferenc Monostori and Suszsanna Geck, this piece reflects their deep bond and connection. Having recently celebrated their marriage this summer after 18 years together, their art piece, “Connection,” is a tribute to the profound connection between two souls. It depicts a kiss shaped into an ancient tree, serving as a metaphor for their love story.
Monostori shared his perspective, stating, “When you have a connection with nature and a partner, you feel like you’re one. That’s the connection. This is us.”
The International Sandsculpting Championship at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront boasts an impressive lineup of sand sculptors, each with their own unique journey and style:
Doubles Competitors:
- Sue McGrew & Benoit Dutherage: McGrew, a sand sculpting sensation since 2008, has traveled to over 30 countries, while Dutherage, a former chef, discovered sand sculpting at an event and never looked back.
- Marielle Heessels & Leonardo Ugolini: Heessels, who began her artistic journey at 15, specializes in sculpting and painting masterpieces inspired by nature. Ugolini, with a background in architecture, has written books and designed energy-efficient homes.
- Andrij Vazhynskyj & Artem Samoylov: Vazhynskyj, hailing from Ukraine, has loved sculpture since childhood, while Samoylov, experienced in various sculpting mediums, ventured into sand, ice, and snow sculpting in 2004.
- Donatus Mockus & Inese Valtere: Mockus, a professional master’s degree sculptor, has over a decade of sand carving experience, traveling the world to showcase his talent. Valtere, a professional sculptor, works with various sculpting materials, including wood, foam, concrete, and bronze casting.
- Thomas Koet & Martijn Rijerse: Koet, driven by a passion for art and technical creativity, found his calling in sand sculpting. Rijerse specializes in big-scale events, competitions, and workshops in various sculpting mediums.
- Wilfred Stijger & Edith van de Wetering: Stijger, who began sculpting sand on the beach of Katwijk, has over 10 years of sand carving experience and has showcased his talent worldwide. Van de Wetering, a professional sculptor, works in various sculpting materials, including wood, foam, concrete, and bronze casting.
- Agnese Rudzite Kirillova & Sanita Ravina: Kirillova’s artwork often centers on women and their emotional journeys. Ravina, a former tattoo artist, fell in love with sand, snow, and ice sculpting and continues to pursue her passion.
- Brian Wigelsworth & Andy Daily: Wigelsworth, who initially entered sand sculpting as a hobby, has risen through the ranks to become a Master-level competitor. Daily, introduced to sand sculpture in 2011, has since won numerous local competitions.
- Ilya Filimontsev & Dmitry Klimenko: Filimontsev has participated in over 150 international sand sculpture events worldwide since 2005. Klimenko, with almost two decades of experience, continues to explore new paths in the sand sculpting medium.
Solo Competitors:
- Wiaczeslaw Borecki: A freelance sculptor with over 30 years of experience, Borecki has participated in sand, snow, and ice sculpture festivals worldwide.
- Jihoon Choi: Choi, a sand sculpture producer and enthusiast, has been planning the Haeundae Sand Festival in Korea for 15 years.
- Matt Deibert: Deibert, who started sand carving in 1999, competes alongside his three sons and even won the TV show Sand Wars with his oldest son, Ian.
- Karen Fralich: With over 150 Masters International sand sculpting competitions under her belt, Fralich has earned numerous medals and titles.
- Maxim Gazendam: Gazendam, a sculptor and designer, has given workshops to over 10,000 people and received assignments worldwide for professional sand sculptures.
- John Gowdy: A retired firefighter, Gowdy has transitioned into sand sculpting and attended numerous sand sculpture competitions worldwide.
- Karlis Ile: Ile holds numerous gold medals from international festivals in various countries, including his home country of Latvia.
- Pedro Mira: Mira, an artist with a diverse range of interests, including sand sculpting, has exhibited his work at various art exhibitions.
- Fergus Mulvany: Mulvany, who began sand sculpting in 1993, has participated in events across Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America.
- Andrius Petkus: Petkus, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sculpture, has organized various sculpture symposiums and festivals in Lithuania.
- Morgan Rudluff: Rudluff, a California native, stumbled upon sand sculpting in 2007 and has since become a professional competitor.
- Peter Vogelaar: Vogelaar has been working with sand, snow, and ice for the past 20 years and has secured several championships and titles.
These artists have transformed Virginia Beach’s sandy shores into a vibrant gallery of awe-inspiring sand sculptures, each telling a story that resonates with the theme of “Connection” at the 2023 Neptune Festival. The festival provides a unique opportunity for these talented individuals to showcase their remarkable talents and inspire visitors from around the world.
