When
the elements of time, budget and
the ideal venue are properly aligned with one of the worlds leading sand sculpture
service providers, there is a conjunction that can yield a fascinating albeit
temporary display (a single sand sculpture) for all manner of occasions or
special events, private or public.
Further, there can
be produced unique and elaborate shows (gated, with a paid ticket admission)
of many sand sculptures and other dramatic elements, generally all revolving
around a central theme. These shows are designed as an affordable and unique
entertainment draw and/or cultural event open to the general public (a sand
park).
Sometimes Pro/Am sand
sculpture contests, or even Master and Grandmaster level international
competitions are implemented alongside of, or as part of these prodigious
exhibitions.
The core function of Sandtopia is the development and operation of this unique
and exciting new type of entertainment outlets.
A single sand sculpture
or a sand park or other sand event such as a competition or world record breaking
publicity stunt can be as big as is practical & cost effective for any
particular venue.
Space permitting, incredible sand sculptures
may be created indoors or outside. They can remain up and on display for one
day, or indefinitely pending certain conditions. It's entirely and up to the client or producer.
Individual sculptures can range
in size from a few hundred pounds up to thousands of tons.
Depending on the format of
the display, the sculpture size and the amount of time for the run of the
show are completely flexible aspects.
The installation of a
single sand sculpture can be done just about anywhere with minimal
involvement, but a Sand Park is another story.
At a sand park, where there
are many sand sculptures of various sizes, generally of a related theme, there are usually other dramatic elements included such
as water features, plants and landscaping, dynamic light and sound systems.
etc.
Also, other non sculpture features may be added such as photo
exhibits of the construction process, play areas for children, cafe, bar,
food court and merchandise retail sales outlets. This all makes for
a unique & captivating cultural attraction
that is a compelling and entertaining draw.
The price of admission to these fenced off sand parks
is usually equivalent to the price of a local movie theater ticket or less,
depending on various factors such as the local market conditions or the size
and scope of the operation. Ideally, food and beverage concessions and other
fun activities like carnival rides are present on site at various times to
keep things at the venue fresh, exciting and changing, as well. Depending
on the scope of the operation, sometimes other ancillary activities such as
crafts or art shows or even concerts & carnivals are setup for weekends
and holidays for an extended draw potential.
Due to the permitting regulations in many areas, these temporary
installations are often only up and in operation for up to four months at
a time. In some cases where it is permitted, the site remains engaged as
a sand park indefinitely, but the sculptures and theme of the show are changed
periodically (seasonally). Thus creating even more opportunities for repeat
customers and other (new) special events.
Sand parks also make superb settings for myriad catered
special events and private functions such as weddings, meetings and family
reunions or picnics.
Inside the sand park other related
operations besides just the static display of magnificent art in the delicate
medium of sand can be presented. A prime area is in education.
Professional sand sculptors the world over have been practicing
the craft at an advanced level for more than a quarter of a century. This
aggregate of experiences and awareness has fostered a body of knowledge that
has been assimilated around the globe and utilized in practice by masters
and the neophytes under their tutelage in various commercial settings. The
vast majority of these learning sessions are as hands on experience in workshops
given prior to and during the students/volunteers involvement in assisting
the masters at particular shows. For instance at the annual major show we've been
presenting for the last 13 years in Jesolo (Venice) Italy, we utilize
the service of a dozen students each year from the Academy of Art in
Venice each spring. The gain valuable knowledge of the medium and craft as
well as school credit, in exchange for their labor and working as assistants
to the masters. Some of the students start as freshmen and remain with us
for years, some have even remained involved with us after they graduated
University.
But it does not necessarily have to be hands on to
be educational. Complete novices and accomplished or adept
sculptors alike can learn to understand some of the common but basic principles
of sand sculpting through demonstrations or video presentations presented
on site at the park, or elsewhere. These teachings range from the basic "Sand
Castles 101" on the entry level, which is a brief workshop that anyone can
benefit from. It covers the rudimentary principles and techniques for understanding
why sand sticks together & more importantly why it does not.
Course study can be advanced all the way up to master pieces.
Sand symposiums for learning about how to work in the craft can be
regularly scheduled at Sandtopia parks.
The educational
aspect is not limited to the physicality of working in the craft either,
One does not need to get ones hands sandy at all so to speak. The history
of sand sculpture, the science & physics behind it, and ecological and
conservation aspects all are also relevant.
The educational component can tie in to
other aspects such as entertainment readily. Students & volunteers, especially
during sculpture construction times serves a trifold purpose overall, quite
well. Volunteer students/helpers or interested
participants are:
Invaluable physical help to the masters.
Learning about a unique medium and farming future talent.
Great publicity for the Sand Park or show.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAND PARK OPERATION:
- A venue with space and permitting suitable
for outdoor festivals.
The site needs to have
a water source, and adequate drainage (we can tap and meter fire hydrant plugs). The site
needs to be accessible for heavy equipment and shipping containers required
for the setup of the sculptures. Additionally it should be practical for
parking, food and beverage concessions (and possibly ancillary draw attractions
ranging from arts & craft shows to carnival rides) with rest rooms or
portable facilities, etc. for the time after the setup, when the park is
open to the public. The sculpture garden will be fenced, blocking the view
of the sculptures from the outside. The other aspects of the event may possibly
be outside of the fenced area.
- Advertising, Marketing and Promotion (AMP).
Naturally, advertising/marketing
and promotion of the event to the local population and direct target marketing
regionally is crucial to a good success. We can do teaser sculptures and publicity
stunts utilizing sand sculpture as a media hook. We can align the event with
local merchants and commerce through creative tie-ins such as discounted
tickets with purchases of meals, retail merchandise, etc. We can also provide
additional off site sand sculpture services (for any type of special event
or occasion) as a promotional tool. Ideally a major sponsor will be
engaged for the betterment of the AMP aspect, such as a television or cable
service provider or other multimedia powerhouse. A wi-fi connection
on site is a major plus.
There are of course, hard costs associated
with putting any sand sculpture operation into play. These costs will be supplied
up front by fund raising and corporate sponsorship opportunities. The profits
are generated by ticket sales, related merchandise sales and food & beverage
concessions as well as any fees charged for other event draws such as craft
(or other booth) registrations, kiddy rides, etc.
As mentioned, above sculptures can
range in size from a few hundred pounds to thousands of tons. But, depending
on the format of the display, time, budget or other considerations, the sculpture
sizes and the length of the engagement are completely flexible aspects. A
similar and key dynamic exists in the formula of labor man hours over
the total volume of sand to be dealt with and the amount of available time
in which to do so.
Besides designing and promoting prior, and operating and maintaining
a show after it is opened, there are several other distinct aspects of a
large or articulated sand displays that need to be considered. Most of these
can be done from a basic" bare bones & minimal" approach up to an advanced
and full blown level. Obviously costs are dependent upon all these factors,
so advance planning is critical. But they all can be dialed in or regulated
to maximize available resources for the purpose of yielding the best
product and result.
Key aspects to implementing a sand park:
- Designing, administration and promotion of
the show.
- The site prep (field engineering & the
poundup).
- The sculpting (the art).
- The decorating (field engineering).
-
Photo exhibit, food , beverage
and merchandise sales.
- Operations and maintenance of the show after
opening.
- Further marketing and promotions.
- Strike. (The removal of the show & sand, and returning the
site to it's original condition)
The HR aspect primarily falls into
three categories: Administration, (design crew) Field Engineers (tech crew)
and The Talent (carving crew). Sometimes people can crossover between these
crews.
The population of any particular project can vary on
a sliding scale of how many people for how long are required to be engaged
in their respective roles in order to produce the desired affect. Numerous
details of design and construction will affect this ratio of people involved
with how much sand and time on any given project. One person can do 'X' amount
of work. in 'Y' amount of sand (or in an office) in 'Z' amount of hours.
Altering the quantity (and some times quality) of any or all of these attributes
will yield limitless possibilities and configurations resulting in different
end results. These can be optimally configured as needed to suit a clients
needs in terms of time, budget and available resources.
(This is a "Blue Sky" idea for a permanent sand sculpture
park, and ultimately a worldwide franchise of them. We will start small,
and grow it to the dream state.)
Sandtopia...
The PERMANENT sand sculpture resort park / wellness center
& artist enclave. Inn, campground and RV park
Just imagine ...
A green
& values based resort/park & outdoor entertainment complex with a
twist. As a constant anchor, Sandtopia features the captivating medium
of sand sculpture, in ever changing displays set amongst beautiful botanical
gardens. A place where the public can enjoy viewing the amazing works of
resident and touring professional master sand sculptors from around the world.
A place where one may learn the craft and create their own sand sculptures
as well.
Additionally, the park offers many other elements that make it
attractive as an outdoor entertainment venue and tourist destination.
Because it was originally designed as an enclave for professional
master sand sculptors (and other artists/crafters) and purpose built by
sand sculptors, it naturally has everything a sand sculptor could ever want
or need, to showcase their own designs in their own way and time. All in
a natural setting with the best sculpting quality earthen materials available.
In a completely non constrictive and non competitive atmosphere.
~ Open to
the general public! ~
The sand sculpture aspect
of Sandtopia is a dynamic entertainment draw. Visitors can pay a nominal admission
fee to the sculpture garden for a day, a season or even an annual pass to
access the ever changing sculpture garden area of the park. There,
visitors can tour by foot, boat, bicycle, seqway or tram, a landscaped "garden"
of sand sculpture installations both large and small.
The larger, theme displays are changed seasonally. Each one
is opened with the spring, summer, fall, or winter festival as the case may
be. These four festivals each year also host craft fairs, art shows, concerts
and other cultural events and season appropriate activities. The smaller individually
displayed sculptures, which showcase the art of the respective resident or
touring masters, are otherwise changed on an ongoing and regular basis as
the "sand folk" rotate in and out of the realm. There will be an archived
digital library of all works created, as everything is recorded (and much
is web cast). Plus there is a brick & mortar as well as virtual
museum on the web, and a sand academy for historians and students of the art
form.
For the viewing public, photo opportunities continuously abound.
Besides the changing season sculptures, every major holiday also brings a
new theme display to the sculpture garden as well.
Large and small pavilions are available for weddings and special
event parties. So custom sand sculpting service is available both on site
and off property. From basic rentals, to full blow custom tailored and catered
dream events.
Occasionally there are sand sculpture competitions hosted at
the venue.
Two particular highlights each
year are the annual Sculptors (masquerade) Ball, which caps the April Fools'
Festival during the first week of April, and the All Hallows Eve Bash
during the last week of October. Additionally, the festival of lights
at Christmas time is of course, always a big hit as well.
- Amenities may include, but are not limited to:
- An inn, a lodge, bungalows,
cabins, dormitories, RV park and camping facilities
- Spa with pool,
jacuzzi, sauna and steam baths
- Tennis, badminton,
squash, racquetball, volleyball, bocci, and croquet
- Health &
fitness center (free weights & machine gym, aerobics, Yoga and Tai Chi)
- Shops, restaurant
and cafe
- Pavilions and
a large meeting/dance hall
- Amphitheater
- Eighteen hole flying
disc golf course
- Kayak and canoeing
on the lake & waterways
- Tram, segway/cycle,
and walking/jogging trails
- Mini train/tram
- Land, air & water Radio Control club
facilities
- Dog
park
- Great
sand. forms & equipment, hand and power tools, compactors, loader/tractor
and laborers.
**************
It can be a park or even a resort. It can include a sand academy (school)
& even a health & wellness facility/retreat.
It is an outdoor entertainment facility and complex, and potentially,
so much more...
~ Designed
by and built for touring (international) pro sand sculptors, it is also
open to the general public! ~
From
professional sand sculptors established in the craft, to budding sand enthusiasts
everywhere, it is a place where sand dreams can become a reality. A low impact, eco-friendly resort/park open to
the general public that has everything a sand sculptor could ever want or
need, to showcase their own designs in their own way & time. All in
a natural or uniquely configured setting and in a noncompetitive and relaxed
atmosphere.
More about the dream...
Sandtopia
is first and foremost, a sand sculpture theme park which is open to the general
public (guests). It is a resort paradise that is also a second home for touring
pro sand sculptors from all over the world (Sandtopia guild members).
A constant feature running in the background, is the ever
changing and captivating works of these masters of the craft. These amazing
sculptures are created and continuously changed by these award winning international
master sand sculptors in real time, during operating hours so the public can
see any aspect of the creation from start to finish. These talented artisan
who continuously rotate in and out of Sandtopia, stay for various lengths
of time not only to create new works, but also teach the craft to guests who
may wish to sign up in advance for classes, workshops and seminars that range
from one day to a week long or longer, each. At any given time the resident
members, who are all touring pros working at the highest level of the industry
in this, the modern era of professional world class sand sculpture, can be
seen changing out the seasonal or holiday displays, or working on their own
feature displays, or teaching in the various formats that are geared for
the public to study and learn, and in some cases, perhaps even exhibit on
display, along side with the works of the pros.
There are the four cardinal season festivals that feature
contests and exhibitions for pros and amateurs and other cultural events,
entertainment and seasonal appropriate activities. In addition to the
sand academy where lay persons can learn and show the craft, there is also
a museum and archives that have digital libraries that contains all the works
ever created on site. Sandtopia is also a nexus for all the world sand sculpture
tour events and members who wish to participate in the pro world sand sculpting
tour calendar of events, globally.
Sandtopia also features numerous indoor and outdoor amenities.
But the unique feature of Sandtopia are the fascinating displays that
change seasonally for the larger installations, and on a more regular ongoing
basis for the smaller works many of which feature the individual styles of
the best of the best working and competing in the industry and sport of pro
sand sculpture worldwide, today. Each major holiday always features it's own
theme sand sculpture, and is an ideal spot for the family to make their seasonal
greeting card photos. Come for a day, a week or two, a month or longer, and
stay in our deluxe hotel, private bungalows or cabins, or you can setup your
tent in our primitive campsite area. You can even stay in our RV park with
your own RV or rent one of ours.
There is a lake and closed circuit watercourse for canoeing and kayaking,
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