Sand artists to learn and compete

In most places, late November is a time to stay away from the beach.

But from Nov. 18-20, youth groups will be learning the art and craft of sand sculpting, and then on Saturday, Nov. 21, they'll be competing.

The free sand-sculpting clinics will be from 5 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 18-20, and the competition will be on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

The restaurant is the host and a sponsor of the event.

A professional sand sculpture team called Team Sandtastic will start three days before the event on Nov. 18 by building a huge exhibition sculpture at the BeachHouse site that will have a Nautical Holiday theme. The public is invited to the free clinics to learn sand sculpture tips, tricks and techniques. As many as 24 teams will be creating sculptures in the Free Form, Holiday or Nautical theme.

Judging will take place on Nov. 21, and judges will include Rebecca Shannon, manager of the BeachHouse Restaurant, a professional sand sculptor from Team Sandtastic and a representative from Keep Manatee Beautiful.

To enter a team or sponsor one of the teams with a $300 tax-deductible donation, call Keep Manatee Beautiful at 795-8272 or visit the Web site for details and an entry form.