What do you do when someone gives you seven tons of sand served with a large side of water?

Well, if you’re like Marianne van den Broek, you start sculpting. As a professional Sand Sculptor and organizer of Key West’s upcoming International Sand Art Competition, van den Broek’s annual event brings sand sculpting to a whole new level.

Now in its fourth year, her International Sand Art Competition, which takes place over Thanksgiving Weekend from Wednesday through Sunday, November 21 – 25, transforms the beach at the Casa Marina Resort into a incredible temporary outdoor museum.

This is your chance to see nine world class “Masters Of Sand” go head-to-head in a competition that will blow your mind.

The award-winning nationally recognized artists can only use hand tools like trowels and brushes (no electric tools, molds or glue) and have just four days to create their museum-worthy sculptures that seem too elaborate, too finely detailed to be made of mere water and sand.

This is a free event and you can watch the artists work on their beachside creations from 9am until 5pm Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 21-23, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, Nov. 24.

You’ll also have an opportunity to build your own sand artistry, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, dig for treasure, have a drink on the beach, and enjoy some terrific island tunes.

Want to know more? Just go to sandartkeywest.com

Photos by Johnny White