Sandcastles Reach for the Stars

It took eight hours’ hard labor to build “Illumination Castle,” the sand sculpture in the photo posted here. The fanciful creation is the work of “The Sandman,” Rick Mungeam, a former residential home designer turned professional sand sculptor.

“At sunset, we lit the strategically located windows and doors with candles to create a very unique and romantic appearance,” Mungeam said of “Illumination Castle.”

Mungeam, who learned his sculpting skills from Master Sand Sculptor Andy Hancock, began working in sand on South Padre Island, Texas, but has been honing his skills on the Florida Gulf Coast. He works with his wife, Capri, who also does some sand sculpting but considers herself the “behind the sands” marketer for their business, BeachSandSculptures.com. One of the couple’s sons, Marcus, has also joined the company as a Certified SandCastle Coach.

Sand sculpting has become big business in recent years, used for business advertisements, corporate events, engagement proposals, and weddings. The sculptures, essentially just sand and water packed and stacked into shape, generally last for months. Big sculptures such as “Illumination Castle” also incorporate the use of forms to mold the sand before it is shaped and carved.

The Mungeams can be reached through BeachSandSculptures.com, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeachSandSculptures, or at 303-681-2631.  More information is also available at www.beachguide.com/Destin/Recreation/BeachSandSculptures. In addition to creating sand sculptures, the Mungeams also give sculpting lessons to “bring out the child in us all.”