By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The duo behind Sandyfeet Sandcastle Services will host their third annual open house at the Holiday Sandcastle Village of South Padre Island this Friday, Dec. 13, from 5-8 p.m. People across the Lower Laguna Madre, Rio Grande Valley and beyond are invited to bring their family and friends to take a close, in-depth look at the Island’s unique sandcastle village. According to Village officials, this permanent sandcastle gallery is the only one in the world.
South Padre Island Master Sand Sculptor Lucinda ‘Sandyfeet’ Wierenga brought into fruition this sculpture garden, located in the heart of the Entertainment District, in 2019. Ever since then, with the help of her
husband and fellow sand sculptor Jose Sanchez, as well as sand sculptor Anubis Morrison, she has continually updated the Village, bringing in talent from across the globe.
“It’s a different sort of art form,” said Sanchez. “It’s not like painting or even pottery. It’s a whole other thing and its very unique. [The Village] is the only one like it anywhere in the world.”
“It offers an experience that people can’t get anywhere else,” added Wierenga.
According to Wierenga, one of the most popular sculptures at the village right now is “Taylor Swift as a Mermaid,” sculpted by Abe Waterman.
“Right now, Tayor Swift is very hot, so we are excited to have that sculpture there,” said Wierenga.
Another popular face that can be spotted at the village is Elon Musk, sculpted onto a sand rocket by Dmitry Klimenko from Russia.
“We have had his face on our spaceship for a couple years now,” said Wierenga.
In the holiday spirit, the village boasts a Willy Nelson turned sand Santa sculpted by Wierenga’s nephew, Emerson Schreiner.
“We still have Willy, but you have to look for him,” said Wierenga.
There is also a Christmas tree and village, a tableau of fairies, a “terribly scary and beautifully carved” Halloween sculpture, and a handful of easter eggs.
“We are the Holiday Sandcastle Village so we are all about the holidays, and not necessarily the ones coming up right now,” said Wierenga. “We have a list of things for people to look for, to help them look a little more
closely at the sculptures, rather than just breezing through.”
Musician Patrick Anderson will perform live music on the steel drums from 6-7 p.m. Anderson says his holiday music on Caribbean steel drums arranged to tropical styles including reggae, calypso and bossa nova is a unique combination that will get anyone in the holiday spirit island style.
“He’s phenomenal,” said Wierenga. “He’s going to play some great Christmas music and it’s going to be very Island style.”
Wierenga will pass out treats, gifts and props for a photo op. She will also be live carving a Valentine sculpture-in-progress. Anubis will also be live carving a sculpture of Optimus Prime.
Sanchez will debut Sandcamp for Seniors, free instruction on sandcastle carving and construction geared towards Winter Texans that will take place at the village.
“Not on the beach, not bending over,” added Sanchez. “It’s making it more accessible than out on the beach on a summer day.”
Wierenga expresses gratitude to the City of South Padre Island and Louie’s Backyard for allowing her village to stand to this day and giving her the opportunity to “bring this level of art to South Padre Island.” She and
Sanchez also send a huge thank you to all who have donated to the village.
“Any dollar that we get is like ‘Wow, somebody appreciated what we are doing,’” said Wierenga. “That means so much to us and keeps us going.”
The Holiday Sandcastle Village is located at W Ling St, South Padre Island. The village is free to visit any day of the week. The Village operates by donation, and a donation box is located by the entrance. To learn more
about the village, visit sandcastlevillage.com.
As a side note, Wierenga wants the public to know she is available for holiday-themed, or not, sand sculpture commissions and lessons.
“I can help people make snowmen, or Christmas trees, or odometers turning over with the new year,” said Wierenga. “If anybody is curious about having something like that built or building it with a little coaching,
that’s a special thing we like to do this time of year.”
For more information about Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services, visit www.sandyfeetsandcastleservices.com.