Art in the sand

There is yet another Arts Festival on the Gold Coast of Australia. Over the past couple of years an area of land has been developed into wonderful parkland on the banks of the Broadwater at Southport. Not only is there plenty of lawn and lots of walking tracks but there is so much seating that the place is suitable for people of all ages. The buildings (a stage and buildings for cafes) are modern and the design of the park is not only functional but is pleasant to be within too. It is within this artistic landscape that a new festival has been started. I think that the greatest support for this festival has come from the Sculpture Society and its members. But whoever is responsible I hope that it will develop into something to look forward to each year.
The Festival has been given the name "Bring on Spring" and my photographs of many of the sculptures can be seen HERE.
Fortunately I wandered around the sculpture exhibits during the week because at the weekend I took my young Granddaughter along and she was much more interested in spending time in the children's play park! A different set of photos (not shared with the everyone) were taken there! However . .
There was something happening during the weekend that was not there during the week. A man was busy creating sand sculptures.

f/11   1/80  ISO 800  (very dull light so high ISO)

We happened to arrive soon after he had lit the nostrils of his sand dragon and it was most impressive the way the flames were spouting out of its nose! We were sorry that we had not brought along a spade because we were inspired to try and create our own sandcastle!
Here are a couple more photos of the sand creations - there were two, a dragon and an elephant.

 f/16  1/80  ISO 800

f/16   1/80   ISO 800

While the exhibition was all for free this enterprising fellow had created his sand sculptures with a request for a coin donation to aid his employment! So I presume he was not an authorised participant in the event - but we enjoyed his work and he was a pleasant person willing to talk about his sand sculpting.
The workshops that I had read about and expected to find were not there. Maybe they will be there on Sunday but I am not prepared to return a fourth time to find out. Hopefully next year what is promised will be available at the promised times otherwise the public will not be very forgiving.
AJ