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Sarasota News Leader November 15, 2013 Page 94 their favorite spots for pursuing their art: the Moreover, Long says, "The cleanliness of the organizers and the community, as well as the sand is the extra special part," and it holds generally good weather. together so well. "Being on a tropical beach is actually kind of rare," Wigelsworth explains. Siesta is one of only three beaches for such events in the United States where the sculptors generally can count on balmy temperatures. "It's fantastic!" Kondrats says. "The Crystal Classic has everything we want," Long, a New Yorker, points out. "They treat the sculptors very, very well. … We're made to feel very special. It's hard to come home to be Matt Long again. I'm Bruce Springsteen when I'm down [on Siesta Key]." "You don't get dirty" in Siesta's sand, Wigelsworth adds. The only other place he has seen sand almost as white as Siesta's has been near Mallorca, Spain, notes Zelinka, who is in Sarasota for the first time. A few more than half of the 20 artists who will compete this year have been former Crystal Classic participants, Wigelsworth points out. Generally, the goal is to invite newcomers to Siesta Key to make up a third to half of the He adds, "The accommodations are wonder- number for the annual event, he says. The ful; the town is very arts-oriented. … We get three winners from the previous year always a great turnout." are invited back. Brian Wigelsworth (left, atop the pyramid) works with Sandis Kondrats to spread sand for the sculpting of the parrothead logo. Photo by Rachel Hackney