Local sculptor takes to the sand -- and wins
Local artist and Siesta Key resident Brian Wigelsworth placed third at an international Masters sand sculpting competition at the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Brian competed in the doubles catagory with another Master sculptor from Saskatoon, Canada, by the name of Patricia Leguen. They created a beautiful scene of a geisha girl kneeling at the side of a koi pond in deep reflection. The scene was entitled "Zen Garden."
The competing teams consisted of Master sculptors from the U.S. and Canada as well as participants from Latvia, the Netherlands, Singapore and the Czech Republic. Each team had 24 hours over a period of three days to complete their sculptures, with individual prizes up to $8,000.
Brian Wigelsworth’s name is recognizable for those who have been attending the annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest over the past years. Before winning the Ft. Myers Beach Florida State competition in 2006 and gaining his Masters status, he had placed first in the local competition multiple times, sometimes taking both Judges’ and People’s Choice awards. His sculptures have also been seen in a local Publix and Wal-Mart store in a Miller Lite display.
"Zen Garden"
Brian also owns a professional sand sculpting company called Sand Lubbers through which he creates sand art for conventions, store displays, weddings, beach proposals, trade show displays, corporate team building exercises, festivals and private parties.
Currently Brian is working with the local chambers and city groups to bring a Master sand sculpting event to Siesta Key. Brian says, "Our sand is some of the best beach sand in the world for building sand sculptures, we really should be hosting a major Masters event."
Anyone interested in a sculpture or local lessons in professional sandsculpting, or who would like to see how to help bring a major event to Siesta Key, can contact Sand Lubbers at sandlubbers.com or call Brian direct at 545-7448.