B.B. King was one of the music legends featured at this year’s annual Sugar Sand Festival on Clearwater Beach, voted the best beach in the US this year – again. I welcome you to join me for this music themed art tour to discover some great works by sand sculptors from all over the world.
The skillfully sculpted exhibits featured artists from the 60s and 70s, like Jimi Hendrix…
…and Janis Joplin, both with an impressive hair of soft sand.
Some wild rock bands, like Kiss, were also featured…
…along with good ol’ bluegrass bands. Such an impressive detail. I could almost hear the banjo playing and feel the foot tapping on the sand.
Some classics, like the Glenn Miller Band, were present too.
And jazz of course, here represented by the phenomenal Louis Armstrong.
My visit to this exhibition was just a couple of days after the death of Prince. A sculptor was at work to add him into the parade of musicians who had passed away recently…
…such as David Bowie, here portrayed as Ziggy Stardust.
I really liked this whimsical portrait of Bob Marley. It made me smile too.
And I was intrigued by the fine representatives of the first musicians, the troubadours. They put their heart on their sleeve while serenading fine ladies. Sometimes with mixed success, I guess.
All in all it was a very interesting exhibition of sand sculptures. I am full of admiration for the sculptors and how they are able to create something so delicate yet durable out of the sugar soft sand we have here.
You can find other responses to the Weekly Photo Challenge “Admiration” here.
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
My goodness, Helen, what can one say about the images that is worthy of the artistry involved? Suffice to say I am speechless! My first thought was that, being sand (and on a beach) they weren’t going to last for long. Then I remembered the ‘camera’… Here forever!
These sand sculptures were quite amazing, so many details and facial expressions. They were covered by a tent so they lasted well for the 10 days the exhibition was open. I try to go every year to see it and the artists always surprise me 🙂
Some stunning, creative sculptures! Thank you so much for sharing with us, Helen! Really enjoyed it. 🙂
Happy you enjoyed the short tour, Amy. I’m always curious about their creations, and this year the sculptures were accompanied by music 🙂
Wonderful artists! And they really did a fantastic job creating the unique features of all our favorites. Thanks for sharing Helen. ❤️
I agree – these artists are amazing! They come once a year and sculpt for days for us to see their sculptures only for 10 days. Thanks for visiting, Karen ❤
Extraordinary work, and the more so when it’s so transitory.
Yes, they sculpt for days and the exhibition is then open for 10 days. Luckily quite many people come and see their works.
So clever, I liked the troubadours best.
I agree that the troubadour was one of the best art works. I loved the expressions on the faces of this couple.
awesome artworks, thanks for sharing!
Yes, the sculptures were quite interesting. Thanks for visiting!
Welcome!
What talented captures of the past musos, so beautifully and skillfully crafted. Thanks for sharing them Tiny:-)
The artists are very talented, and this exhibition only lasts for 10 days so it is good that a few more people can see their works through all the pictures everyone took there. Thanks for visiting, my friend.
Wow, really impressive sculptures! As I was scrolling down, enjoying the personalities, I almost forgot that it was sand. The likenesses, the details, the precision — all with sand! Thank you Tiny, I really enjoyed this.
Happy you came to visit, Jet! I was in awe how they made those small details like hair and strings on the instruments look so real, and facial expressions…impressive.
I always love seeing sand sculptures, and these are so amazing. I find it hard to comprehend how such works of art are created outside, and from such a mercurial medium. These are all brilliant, and like yourself, the Bob Marley really made me smile too. 🙂
These sand sculptures were truly nice works of art. And that Bob “No-Woman-No-Cry” Marley was making all ladies smile…almost like expecting an invitation from him for some sun-downers on the beach 😀
Very nicely illustrated tour Tiny, you’ve done an excellent sample of what the festival was all about with photos worth making a brochure. Thank you my friend! 🙂
Thank you H.J.!! Happy you enjoyed the festival 🙂
Fabulous collection, Tiny. Sand sculptures are such a treat to see.
It was a treat! Next year you may even drive up to see them 🙂
Oh my gosh this is crazy good! and I can only make mermaid tails in sand boo hoo hoo.
Happy you liked them…although I know you can make almost anything, at least from dough 🙂
Thanks Tiny 🙂
I am covered in goosebumps!!! I cannot believe the masterpieces created by these artists all in sand!! OMG!! AMAZING! There is just SO much talent in this world! Wouldn’t it be great if WE artists were recognized? Oh how I enjoyed this post!! I cannot even begin to imagine how you felt in person seeing these sculptures. Wow!!! ❤
I am happy you enjoyed this exhibition, dear Amy! These artists are amazing as they create knowing the sculptures can only “live” for a few days. At least our photo art lives much longer 🙂 And I think it is also amazing ❤
There was some great talent…musical and artistic…on that beach!
Yes, there was! Happy you enjoyed their art, Cyndi!
Gorgeous works of art, truly amazing! Love Clearwater Beach too, we honeymooned there! 😊
Happy you got a pleasant reminder through this great exhibition! Now that we live just 2 miles south of this beach on the Sand Key barrier island, I feel we’re on a long 2nd honeymoon 🙂
Wow, these are incredible. The artists are so skilled and creative.
Yes, indeed they are! And the artists do such great work knowing that their sculptures will only last for one exhibition.
I loved going to the sand castle festivals every year…they are so amazing.
Yes, these guys and girls do amazing art. I hope you’ll come and visit Florida occasionally!
Brilliant. Love the troubadors.
The artwork they can do with sand is amazing! These are beautiful!
I was very impressed too…I love to go see these short lived sculptures every year. Thanks for your visit Donna!
How fantastic it must have been to see them with your own eyes! What a treat Helen! Thank you for sharing. So many talented artists! Bob Marley’s teeth! I want teeth like that! Hahahaha! Enjoyed the show from here. I’m having to not do much for the next couple of days. My elbow came out of joint again! So glad I will have your blog to read! Take care of yourself!
Oh I am sorry to hear about your forced rest. I know that your furry babies will keep you company and you’ll like new soon! The annual sand festival is always a treat, this time so many of my old “boomer” favorites 😀