Sand sculptor Tommy Freeman has competed in the last 14 of the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition’s 37 years. What began as a casual family activity has become a tradition for Freeman and a treasured summertime ritual. His team name has changed several times over the years as have its members, from including his wife and children to eventually encompassing friends, neighbors and colleagues.
The one thing that remains a constant though, contest after contest, pickle bucket of sand after pickle bucket of sand, is Freeman’s love of and passion for creating temporary art in the sand. Freeman has won just about every category during his time spent competing at Piccolo Spoleto: Best in Family, Best in Architecture, Best in Creativity; in 2021 he took the top title, Best in Show.
“Building in the sand is a stress reliever for me,” explained Freeman. “I don’t have to think about anything at all. I’m just focused on the sand, and the sculpting comes from muscle memory at this point.”…