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Sand Sculpting Masters of Hampton Beach
SEACOAST BOOKS
Take 300 tons of sand, add the talents of the most accomplished sand sculptors, mix in a generous helping of old-fashioned community hospitality and what do you get? You get a new book and calendar by the former editor of the Beach News of Hampton. (Read more below)
VISIT HAMPTON IN JUNE: This year's Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition begins Friday, June 18 when 300 tons of sand is delivered to Hampton Beach, and runs until June 30th, when the sculptures are taken down. The competition will run from June 24 to June 26.
For over ten years this signature June event on New Hampshire's Hampton Beach has grown in size and fame. The first professional sand-sculpting event in New England is currently among the Top 10 places on the globe where the winners go on to compete in the World Championship of sand sculpting.
John Hirtle, former editor and production manager of the Beach News has covered the event since the beginning. Those years are now collected in “Arti-Sands at Hampton Beach” highlighting the history behind the popular summer event. The now vanished art is the centerpiece of this 56-page book.
“There are not many books about Hampton Beach,” the author / photographer explains. “An event like the Master Sand Sculpting Competition, really needed something to show off all the really great sculptures that were made over the years.”
“Sand sculptures are monochromatic in nature,” Hirtle explains. “Just one color with a lot of shades and shadows that change as the sun rises and sets.”
“The trick is to adjust them [the photos] so the fine details in each sculpture show up just right.” Hirtle notes that the weather in June may not always cooperate, so some photos that look the best in black and white are drab when seen in color.
“Actually, overcast days work the best for taking photos of the sand sculptures, since color is not an issue,” Hirtle says. “Finding colorful photos that almost everyone could enjoy, now that was a challenge.”
But the challenge A companion full-color 16-month calendar featuring author's favorite photos is also on sale. During the twelve years he spent covering events at Hampton Beach, Hirtle says, this is the one event that stands out. Everyone can enjoy it.
“The businesses, the volunteers, the sculptors -- it's a group effort that pulls it all off. You don't see that happen very often any more.” The book is dedicated to all of the people who make the event possible.
And now, for the first time, the ephemeral art of the Hampton Beach are permanently preserved. Hirtle has conquered the sands of time. He has self-published the book and calendar using Lulu.com, a popular print-on-demand company. Each online order is individually printed and shipped from the publisher.
TO PREVIEW & PURCHASE Sand Sculpture book or calendar click here
 SEACOAST BOOKS
Take 300 tons of sand, add the talents of the most accomplished sand sculptors, mix in a generous helping of old-fashioned community hospitality and what do you get? You get a new book and calendar by the former editor of the Beach News of Hampton. (Read more below)
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