Meet the Sand Sculpture Contestants

Greg Grady Sr. is a renowned sand sculpting organizer and enthusiast with a deep passion for the art of sand sculpture. With over three decades of experience in event planning and sand sculpting competitions, Greg has played a pivotal role in organizing some of the most iconic sand sculpting festivals and exhibitions worldwide. His dedication to promoting the art form has allowed him to bring together artists and fans alike, creating memorable experiences that celebrate creativity and skill. Under Greg’s leadership, sand sculpting events have grown to attract top-tier talent and large audiences, elevating the visibility of the art form on a global scale.

Thrilled to be part of Hamptons’ journey and watching it grow from 25 cents to 25 years, Greg is known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative event strategies, and commitment to sustainability. He works tirelessly to ensure each competition is not only a showcase of artistic excellence but also an environmentally responsible event. Beyond his organizational expertise, Greg is a passionate advocate for the sand sculpting community and continues to inspire both veteran and emerging artists.

For more information on sponsorship or creating your own event email: [email protected].

Abe Waterman was once from Prince Edward Island, Canada, but now wanders aimlessly, peering in at the absurdities of life, of which there are many, sand sculpture being a fine example. He says he has been producing artwork since he was “old enough to hold crayons and use his diapers as a fresh canvas.” Growing up surrounded by art, Abe transitioned from sketching and painting to working with temporary materials like snow, sand, and ice. His sculpting journey began in the early 2000s with snow sculptures, and by 2007, he was invited to a sand sculpting exhibition, sparking his passion for the craft. Since then, Abe has made sand sculpture his career, competing in numerous contests across Canada and beyond. Known for his unique style and technical skill, he has earned several prestigious awards. Abe continues to push the boundaries of sand sculpting while exploring new mediums and unconventional ideas. Always a favorite here in Hampton, we look forward to him keeping us on our toes in wonder of what he has up his sleeve for this year.

Karlis Ile, a professional sculptor from Latvia since 1995, masterfully works with materials such as bronze, steel, granite, wood, and more recently, ice, snow, and sand. He is drawn to these natural elements, believing that their primal forces, combined with the ephemeral nature of his creations, generate a unique energy.

A graduate of the Art Academy of Latvia with a masters degree in art humanities, Karlis has honed his skills in figural sculpture.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned numerous gold medals at international festivals across countries including Russia, Switzerland, Finland, China, Japan, Lithuania, the USA, Canada, Germany, and Latvia.

In 2024, Karlis secured fourth place at his visit to Sand Sculpting Classic with his piece “Open Your Mind and Awaken Your Inner Child,” and we are thrilled to welcome him back.

Melineige Beauregard, a world-renowned sand sculptor from Quebec, Canada, now residing in Captain Cook, Hawaii, is known for her intricate designs and spiritual connection to her craft. She began sculpting snow at 16 and, by 20, was collaborating with her father, Guy Beauregard, in sand sculpture competitions. In 2004, they won the World Championship in the Doubles category, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Melineige has since earned over 70 individual awards, including a streak of 1st Places here in Hampton. Her work is celebrated for its exquisite detail, imaginative themes, and the ability to convey both the beauty and impermanence of the natural world. Melineige’s sand sculptures often reflect her belief that art is a spiritual experience—one that connects the artist to the universe. As she puts it, "When my hands touch the material, when my heart opens to give life, when my head is illuminated by light, I become the co-creator of the universe.” 
www.bgsandsculptures.com

Karen Fralich, discovered sand sculpting in 1994 while working in a pottery studio, and has been hooked ever since. With no formal art training, her passion for the craft led her to a unique career. In 1998, she entered her first international contest, and by 2001, she was a full-time freelance sculptor. Specializing in fantasy and whimsical themes, Karen has competed in over 160 Masters Level contests, earning 30 First Place Titles and 5
World Championship titles. She also organizes sand sculpting events across Canada, including for the Canadian National Exhibition and Pan Am Games. From 2021 to 2024, Karen was the lead consultant and judge on CBC’s “Race Against The Tide.” She collaborates with sand sculptors in 14 countries and counting.

David, our Hampton Beach returning Champion, is a Canadian artist who graduated from the University of Montreal at 21. He then studied at the Kootenay School of the Arts, learning to sculpt in stone, metals, jewels, and ceramics. In 1994, David began working at an artistic foundry and in 2007 entered his first sand sculpture competition. Since then, he’s competed globally with the best professional sculptors, refining his technique and coordinating teams of artists. David has traveled worldwide, working in Canada, Japan, England, the US, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Germany, Vietnam, Belgium, Australia, Denmark, Austria, Russia, Hong Kong, Italy, and China. He is also an accomplished ice and snow sculptor, winning several first-place awards, including at Hampton Beach last year. We’re thrilled to welcome David back!

New to Hampton this year! 

Ilya, a renowned sand sculptor from Moscow, Russia, began his career as a jeweler and goldsmith before discovering his passion for sculpture through ice sculpting. This new path led him to leave his jewelry career behind and pursue sculpture full-time. Ilya further honed his skills at the prestigious Moscow State Academic Art Institute of Surikov. Since 2005, he has been a leading figure in the sand sculpture world, participating in over 200 international festivals. His intricate designs have earned him recognition at top-tier events globally. A standout moment in his career was in 2018 when he helped create a “Nativity Scene” for the Pope at the Vatican. Today, Ilya continues to push the boundaries of his craft, inspiring audiences and fellow artists at festivals worldwide.

Justin is a self-taught sculptor who turned professional in 1991 after being laid off from his engineering job. He now works in 8 mediums: ice, snow (for ski areas), clay (for ceramics and bronzes), wax (for jewelry), stone, foam, wood, and sand. His sand sculpting has taken him to locations including Oman, Kuwait, Taiwan, England, and across the US and Canada. Justin has also created large-scale tree carvings for Storyland in NH and private commissions. Today, he focuses primarily on sand sculpting and wood carvings, including architectural elements, custom clock cases, gun stocks, and figurative sculptures. He’s open to any commission request and is an active member of the New England Wood Carvers and New England Sculptors Association. Justin also teaches wood carving in Groveland. For more info, visit www.ElwinDesigns.com

Greg J. Grady, a New Hampshire native, Marine Corps veteran, and self-taught sculptor, has had a passion for sand sculpture since childhood. As a 2nd generation sand sculptor, Greg learned the craft from his father during family vacations, sparking a lifelong dedication to the art form. Over the years, he apprenticed with top sand sculptors, refining his skills and traveling across the U.S. and beyond.

Greg is a full-time sand sculptor and has spent over 15 years creating intricate sculptures for a variety of events. He loves kicking off summer here on Hampton Beach where he has started out from basic laborer, shoveling sand to competing against the best. Now working side by side with his father spearheading the event, a tradition that Sr. started and founded 25 years ago.

When not sculpting, he enjoys spending time with his long-time girlfriend, son, and two stepchildren, or working on his next sand sculpting project.

Greg loves the challenge of working with sand and appreciates its transient nature. He feels blessed to be part of a vibrant community of sculptors and to contribute and share this magnificent art form with so many on his home beach in New Hampshire.

Follow Greg’s work: Instagram @ItsJustSand_Sculpture, Website: ItsJustSand.com.

Carl is the only competitor who has been invited and competed in all 25 years and for that we applaud you! Carl says, ”For most of my life I’ve pursued that narrow line between public acceptance and pure expression, all the while adhering to the whims of a delicately balanced, often temperamental material and its physical boundaries. I strive to illustrate the profound changes, moments, and efforts of my own personal narrative, in a fashion that thinly veneers a true translation, while maintaining a familiarity to my audience. For me, the moment of its realization, combined with the raw, arduous nature of the art form itself, and the intimate connection with the vicarious viewer, redeems my connection to the creative spirit that underpins the definition of fine art.”

~Carl D. Jara
Website: artcleveland.com

Born in 1979 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Dmitry graduated in 2004 with a Master’s degree in Monumental Arts from the St. Petersburg State Academy of Industrial Art and Design. Initially focused on traditional sculpture for museums and public spaces, his path shifted when he replaced a colleague at a sand sculpture competition in St. Petersburg in 2004. Instantly captivated by the malleable, temporary nature of sand, he made it his main medium. The play of light and shadow, combined with the endless creative possibilities, inspired him to continue exploring sand as an art form. Since then, Dmitry has participated in international festivals in Japan, Russia, Canada, the USA, Kuwait, Belgium, and more. In addition to sand, he also works with ice, bronze, and wood, constantly seeking new challenges in his craft.

My attraction to sand sculpture began when a friend showed me pictures of sand art, and I was amazed. My first attempts weren’t impressive, but they were enough to spark my passion! I began entering amateur competitions and winning, working at Sand Festivals, and creating public displays for conventions and businesses. Sand sculpting became my full-time job in 2020 when the country shut down, and many came to Florida for sunshine. I met 2-3 families daily, teaching them how to build sandcastles. Over time, I added wedding proposals, lessons, and competitions to my schedule. I’m grateful to see old friends and meet new ones at competitions across the country. Sand artists form a rare, close-knit community, and I’m thankful to be part of it. I love creating temporary art on the beach, reminding me that life is short, and we should enjoy every moment.

Stop by and say hello to Darlene for a quick lesson, tips, and tricks, or just a few pointers for your next beach creation. With over 20 years of experience in helping the p0ublic understand the basics of sand sculpture in Hampton, Darlene loves sharing her expertise with groups and families, showing them how much fun playing in the sand can be. When she’s not at the beach or spending time with her family, Darlene enjoys painting, often putting a brush to canvas for her next creative project. 

Contact Darlene at [email protected].