Artists from around the world build sand sculptures at Siesta Key Crystal Classic

SIESTA KEY, Fla. (WWSB) - Sculptors from around the world are turning piles of sand into large sculptures at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, a master sand sculpture competition.The event runs from Friday until Monday, ending at 3 p.m.Artists prepare for about two weeksArtists travel from all over the world to turn tons of sand into sculptures. They have been preparing for about two weeks. Sculptures are usually taller than people.Andy Daily, the sand manager, said the work starts the way it does for anyone on a beach.“It starts off like anybody with a bucket and a shovel of sand on the beach,” Daily said. “You just want to get good at it, and make them bigger and better.”Sculptures start with sand, water and work.Visitors return for the sand and the artistsTom and Judy Blue of Ohio have made the trip to the Crystal Classic for six years.“It is a big family, it really is,” they said. “People come from all over the world, and that is really amazing.”They said the sand is a reason they re