By now, Pittsburgh has come to believe that the talented team of sand artists known as Sandsational can literally mold any image into a silty masterpiece of astounding detail and typically gigantic proportions. Invited to Regatta the past two years, the group, featuring world sand sculpting champion Thomas Koet, has showcased their extraordinary and artistic abilities with creations far beyond anyone’s imagination.
In 2012, they recreated the signing of the “Declaration of Independence” with such remarkable vividness and life-like features that many still can’t believe it’s possible using just ordinary sand, water and rudimentary crafting tools.

Beginning June 17, all four sculptors will settle into what has become their sandbox of sorts—a spot on the Great Lawn side of Point State Park at the Portal Bridge. Beneath an enormous overarching tent—that protects them from the heat and sun—it will take roughly 11 days to fashion the colossal achievement they envision.
What is it you ask? As always, that remains a mystery—all part of the fun that comes from guessing as the team’s daily handiwork unfolds. Know, however, Sandsational aims to surpass its previous year’s sculpture for every client with something more ambitious from every facet.
Viewers can watch it all unfold starting with the 150-ton dump of pure, western Pennsylvania grade sand used in the process. After two days of positioning and compacting the material, the crew embarks on its quest of carving, crafting and delighting the thousands of spectators anxious and awaiting the impending, likely surprising, but sure to delight outcome.
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No Lines Drawn in This Sand—Led by world champion Thomas Koet, the master sculptors of Sandsational will transform over 150 tons of sand into one towering piece of astonishing art.