Leap's 28th Annual Sandcastle Contest: Sandblast!

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Leap’s 28th Annual Sandcastle Contest will spring to life at Ocean Beach, near the Cliff House. This year’s theme, “SANDBLAST,” will inspire an array of one-of-a-kind creations featuring elaborate castles, formidable monsters, and gargantuan monuments in approximately twenty-five 400-square-foot plots.

Every fall, Leap…imagination in learning (Leap) orchestrates the spectacular Sandcastle Contest as its major fundraising event. The contest is open to the public, free of charge, and supported by the local construction industry, including architects, engineers, and contractors who come together to support arts education in Bay Area schools. These professionals will join students from local elementary schools in a collaborative attempt to reshape Mother Nature and push the limits of creativity.

The general public is welcome to drop in to Leap's "Community Sandcastle Building Area" between 10 am and 2 pm. Participants of all ages will team up with volunteers and one of Leap’s teaching architects to try their hand at building a giant rocket ship. Participants in this activity are encouraged to donate $5 - $10 to ensure the contest’s continued success. Kids of all ages are also encouraged to visit Leap’s art-making activities inspired by sandcastles at the “Imagination Station” (10 am – 2 pm) and to participate in an interactive dance lesson led by a Leap Teaching Artist (2:15-3 pm).

A stellar lineup of judges is in the works for this year’s contest, including Sirron Norris and Ian Huebert, renowned San Francisco-based artists; Grant Washburn, cinematographer, film producer and Mavericks surfer; local designer Michael Osborne; Tyra Fennell, of the San Francisco Arts Commission; Sandra Fewer, of the San Francisco Board of Education; and Elizabeth Faulkner, chef and owner of Citizen Cake and Orson.

Leap, a local nonprofit organization, was established in response to severe cuts in California arts education funding following the passage of Proposition 13 in 1979. In today’s economic climate, arts education in public schools is at even greater risk. Funds raised from the Sandcastle Contest help to ensure that Leap can continue its important mission to keep the arts alive in Bay Area schools.