June 1,2025, Charlestown, RI – South County Tourism Council’s third annual Atlantis RIsing International Sand Sculpture Competition that ran from Friday, May 30, 2025, wrapped up yesterday. Thousands of people came to the Ninigret Park over the weekend to see Rhode Island’s first and only sand sculpture event featuring 10 artists from around the world who compete for a cash prize with stunning works of art carved out of sand.
“This year’s event really surprised us and surpassed our expectations,” says Louise Bishop, president of South County Tourism Council. “We had great attendance, so much so that we had lines waiting to get in, we didn’t expect that. We heard great things from our attendees. We want to thank Governor Dan McKee for his support, our generous sponsors and the organizers, Greg Grady, Sr. and Greg Grady, Jr. who bring all the artists in and make this event happen. The event brings in visitors, fills up hotels and boosts the local businesses and economy during the quiet pre-season. Next year, it may move more into the summer season.” she concludes.
This year’s artists came from as far away as South Korea, Lithuania, Russia, the Netherlands, Canada, Hawaii, and as close as Florida and California. The first-place judge’s prize of $7,500 went to Abe Waterman from Prince Edward Island, Canada and Texas for his piece titled “Digi/Fata-lization”. In second place winning $5,000, the judges’ chose Martijn Rijerse of the Netherlands for his piece “When Your Opportunity Arises”. In third place for the $4,000 prize was newcomer to Atlantis RIsing, Jonathan “Jobi” Bouchard of Quebec, with his piece titled “Genesis.” Melineige Beauregard from Hawaii won the People’s Choice award with her sculpture, “I Am the Architect of My Own,” worth $2,500.
Attendees enjoyed photo opps with lookalike Captain Jack Sparrow, fairies, a Forest King, and more. Live music including local favorites, Sugar, as well as Buddy Fanjoy, Steve Smith and the Nakeds, Take It To the Bridge, Roomful of Blues, The Nomadics and Glimmertree rocked the stage and got people dancing. This year’s beer & wine tent sponsor, Whaler’s provided some of their signature brews. We also had both Miss Rhode Island, Alexia Rodriguez and Miss Rhode Island Teen, Ocean Lombard help out at the sand sculpture lesson tent, and with photo opportunities with the enchanted forest characters.
