EHS sculpture students recently traveled to Galveston to learn about sand sculpting with artist Emerson Schreiner. The inspiration for the trip occurred in the summer of 2020 when Sculpture teacher Lauren Cunningham took one of Schreiner's workshops. "I am delighted I could finally share this experience with my students!" says Cunningham. "Emerson is a wonderful instructor, and who doesn't like playing in the sand?"
After arriving at the beach, students picked up shovels and piled and packed the sand into a suitable mound for carving. Then, the group set to work creating a multi-towered castle, learning new carving techniques along the way. Students personalized their towers with architectural details like windows, doors, and staircases. They also learned how to connect the towers with bridges. "I loved seeing the sandcastle come together," shared Lizzy Randall '24.
William Stovall '24 aptly noted that "some parts of making a sandcastle are like soap-carving," an art form that he and his classmates have been learning about in Cunningham's Beginning Sculpture course. Although many of the same techniques can be used to carve both soap and sand, the sand provided a new opportunity for students to work bigger. It also provided some unique challenges. "It is pretty hard to make sandcastles at such a large scale," reflected Nick Shipley '24. "It takes precision." Despite a few cracks and crumbles, the group's castle took form, with Schreiner guiding students through each step in the process.
Schreiner began sculpting sand at a young age. He was born and raised in Michigan. Growing up, he spent many summers on Texas beaches, where he learned this unique art form from his aunt, Lucinda Wierenga. She is a competitive sand sculptor, owner of Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services, and author of the book Sand Castles Made Simple. Schreiner now lives in Galveston and runs the local branch of Sandy Feet. He also competes in sand sculpture competitions, both solo and with his aunt. This year, their sculpture won 3rd place in Texas Sand Fest! Check out Emerson's website here.
