Sanding Ovations 2020

    The pandemic has not stopped the return of the annual sand sculping event called Sanding Ovations which is held annually behind the Bilmar Beach Resort at Treasure Island, Florida, November 19-22, 2020. With several tons of sand and water the masterpieces created by master sculptors are beyond awesome! 

Sanding Ovations is one of the largest exhibitions in the United States. Spectators can watch the sculptors that are local and across the country create astonishing works of art with nothing but their tools, sand, water and a vivid imagination. There is also an assortment of beach foods, arts and crafts, a kite festival and three days of live entertainment with fireworks. What a prefect venue on a wide-open space with plenty of room to social distance on Treasure Island overseeing the Gulf of Mexico!

Typically, there are more artists showcased, but due to international travel being tricky, this year will be an exhibition instead of a competition with ten sculptors. The theme this year is "Sandhenge, a Sand Sculpting Exhibition". The sculptors invited includes: Deborah Barrett-Cutulle (Saugas, MA), Melineige Beaureggard (Montreal, Canada), Manuel Campos (Jacksonville, FL), Damon Meri (Indian Rocks Beach, Florida), Abe Waterman (Canada), Bruce Philips (who will be creating Sanhenge), Dan Doubleday (Treasure Island, FL), Sue McGrew (Tacoma, WA), Meredith Doubleday (Treasure Island, FL) and Mark Price (Treasure Island, FL). This free event will take place through Sunday.

All the best,

GMarie

This Thing Called Life We are Now Living Called Covid-19

               In these unprecedented times where folks are working from home full-time, parents are home schooling, the wearing of masks has become the "uniform of the day", and major adjustments is now the new norm or "business-as-usual" in this climate we are living called COVID-19 aka the coronavirus.

     The “new rules” such as practicing social distancing and in some cases isolation, federal and local governments are mandating curfews and closures with no idea as to when this will end.  So we have had to adjust to a new way of living and working considering COVID-19, as maintaining relationships has become an absolute must to get through this all. We desire a sense of community even though it's especially difficult in times of social distancing and quarantining in the safety of our homes.   
    

     Who would ever think that the onset of this pandemic would set in the need to dispose of the playbook when it comes to engaging with family, friends and customers while medical facilities continue to strategize on how to serve patients. Thanks to all the brave souls that have unselfishly put themselves in harms way to continue to care, protect, assist, deliver and transport. Big up to all those working hard to keep America safe. Celebrate their bravery!

              While the COVID-19 crisis has affected everyone be it financially or any one of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, we do know that there are those who are facing more hardship than others. In the face of this unfolding crisis, we believe that it is more critical than ever to come together. We are definitely going through the storm, but history shows we will eventually have light and calm. We are "going through it" right now but we will get through this together.  

All the best and remain safe,

GMarie