We have been fortunate to receive a Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance grant to host a Sand Sculpture Masterclass in Castlegar, BC. World famous sand and ice sculptors David Ducharme and Susanne Ruseler will lead this weekend event for sculptors who want to learn in the specific medium of sand, or who are already experienced sand artists but want to take their work to the next level. 

 

Event Dates: August 23rd and 24th (full day)

 

Cost: there is no application or participation fee (there may be a small materials fee, to be determined). Spots are limited so entries will be adjudicated. Successful applicants will be notified in early August. Preference will be given to artists who have sculptural experience, though all entries will be considered. Artists will need to show examples of past work within their application. 

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Masterclass Instructors/Artists

Canadian artist David Ducharme graduated at the age of 21 from the University of Montreal; at 22 he began his artistic journey by enrolling at the Kootenay School of the Arts where he learned the technique of sculpting stone, metals, jewels and ceramics. In 1994 he began working at an artistic foundry and in 2004 embarked on his first sand sculpture competition. Since then, Ducharme has competed with the best professional sculptors from all over the world, not only refining his technique but also coordinating teams of artists. David is also an accomplished ice and snow sculptor with both small and large scale sculptures, achieving first place in several competitions.

 

Susanne Ruseler is a Dutch sand sculptor known for her intricate, large-scale sculptures created from sand, ice, snow, and other materials. With a background in biology, she began sculpting in 2003 and became a full-time artist in 2008, working internationally at festivals and competitions across more than 20 countries. Her work is recognized for its detailed, expressive storytelling, and she has won numerous awards, including top honors at events in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.