Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 98 woman telling her companion, "See the wires platform in front of that piece says McDonald sticking out [of the 'hair']" and another just is "the oldest living sand sculptor in captivity …" murmuring, "That's so cool." Judy Kophs and her husband, Stan, were McDonald was in charge of sand-sculpting among those taking it all in. They had come demonstrations for the Crystal Classic this with a group of 165 residents of The Villages year. to see the results of the competition. The second-place award went to World Monika Ince of New York and Maria McDonald Breathe, created by Michela Ciopini of Italy of Houston — both snowbirds here for the and Jan Zelinka of the Czech Republic. season — relished the details in the various "Looks like lungs," said a woman looking at pieces. "It's really beautiful," McDonald said that sculpture. as they stood in front of the third-place winner, The Amazin Sand Castle Machine! by "Wow. WOW!" added another. Matt Long and Andy Gertler, both of New As Ince and McDonald made their way over York. to the entry by Craig Mutch and Bill Dow — That sculpture was a tribute to sculptor The Stray Bar — they again took their time as Walter McDonald of South Padre Island, TX they studied all the features. "Look at the eyes — "Amazin' Walter," as his fellow master sand of that dog," McDonald pointed to one feature sculptors call him. A note attached to the and laughed. She chortled moments later as The Amazin Sand Castle Machine! won third-place honors. Photo by Robert Hackney