This year’s theme, “The Gallery of Sand,” invites visitors to stroll among 15 unique works, including a centerpiece inspired by Salvador Dalí.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — After last year’s hurricane cancellations, Treasure Island is bouncing back in a big way.
Sanding Ovations: The Gallery of Sand opened Friday, transforming the shoreline into an outdoor art exhibit that celebrates resilience and creativity.
“It shows that we’re still rebuilding and bringing people back,” Jason Beisel, an event organizer, said. “To have this back means a lot to the community. It means a lot to our hotels. It means a lot to our businesses.”
The festival, which runs through Sunday with an encore weekend Nov. 29–30, features towering sand sculptures crafted by artists from around the world.
This year’s theme, “The Gallery of Sand,” invites visitors to stroll among 15 unique works, including a centerpiece inspired by Salvador Dalí.
“This year we call it the Gallery of Sand,” event founder Dan Doubleday said. “Fifteen personal pieces and a Dalí centerpiece.”
Doubleday says the artistry is unmatched.
“We import special sand and have the best artists in the world,” he said. “Every piece here is custom—has never been done before.”
Beyond the art, Sanding Ovations delivers a big boost to local businesses.
“Hotels were at 25% occupancy,” Doubleday explained. “Now they’re a hundred percent. It’s a really nice shot in the arm for the community.”
For visitors, the return of Sanding Ovations is more than a festival—it’s a sign of recovery.
“It absolutely does,” Janine Woracheck said. “Amazing to see this year after last year’s nightmare.”
As the sun shines on Treasure Island, the message is clear: resilience can be beautiful.
“It’s vibrant, it’s wonderful, it’s a great sign that things are coming back,” Sylvia Hesse said.