Cobourg Sandcastle Festival

From Saint-Hippolyte-des-Laurentides, Quebec

Mike and Rachelle are the dynamic duo behind Think Big, a name that perfectly captures their imaginative approach to sand sculpting. Hailing from the scenic town of Saint-Hippolyte-des-Laurentides, Quebec, this married couple has been sculpting together for over 20 years, transforming beaches across Canada into open-air galleries of creativity and wonder.

Their journey began on a whim while vacationing in the Magdalen Islands, where they spontaneously entered a sandcastle competition — and were instantly hooked. What started as a lighthearted holiday activity quickly grew into a full-fledged passion, one they've since shared with countless beachgoers and festival crowds.

Under the mentorship of world master sculptor Michel Lepire, Mike and Rachelle learned the foundational techniques of the craft and began to discover their own artistic voices. Over the years, they've competed in festivals across Quebec, earning multiple first-place finishes and People’s Choice awards at events like Merveilles de sable in Gatineau and their beloved Magdalen Islands.

Longtime participants at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, Mike and Rachelle return each year not just to compete, but to celebrate the joy and community that sand art inspires. For them, it's all about fun, connection, and sharing their love for the ephemeral magic of sand with everyone they meet.

Come say hello, watch their incredible process unfold — and don’t forget to Think Big!

Shaping the Moment – One Sculpture at a Time

Hailing from Québec, Sèveline Beauregard is one of the youngest professional carvers in the world, bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to the sand sculpting scene. Her journey began in 2016 when she joined her father and sister — renowned international sculptors Guy and Mélineige Beauregard — on snow carving projects. From that first step, she carved her own path with confidence and creativity.

With experience in snow, ice, and now sand, Sèveline has showcased her talents at major festivals including the Ice Hotel of Québec, Gatineau’s Winterlude, and the Carnaval de Québec. In 2018, she embraced sand as her newest medium — and she’s never looked back. Her growing list of accolades and international projects reflects her rising status in the carving world.

Sèveline is also the founder of Sculpture BeauRegard, a respected carving company based in Québec. For her, sculpting is more than art — it's a lifestyle grounded in presence and joy. As she often says:“To carve, you have to be here, in the present moment.”

Come meet Sèveline at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival and watch her transform sand into something extraordinary — one mindful moment at a time.

Master of Mediums – From Canvas to Sand

Rodney Watson is a self-taught, award-winning artist whose creative journey has taken him across an incredible range of artistic styles and mediums — from acrylics and watercolour to chalk art and professional sand sculpting. Some of his artistic discoveries happened by happy accident, but his passion and talent are no coincidence.

Rodney’s body of work includes vivid acrylic paintings, detailed colour pencil pet portraits, scribble pen art, urban sketches, and sidewalk chalk masterpieces — all of which showcase his incredible eye for detail and texture. His artistic reach is truly global, with clients across Canada, the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, and Spain.

In the world of sand sculpting, Rodney brings the same sharp attention to detail and creativity that defines all his art. Each sculpture he creates tells a story through expressive forms and intricate craftsmanship.

Whether it’s a wall, a canvas, or a beach, Rodney is always ready to create something unforgettable. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and witness his artistry come to life in the sand!

Sculpting Ephemeral Stories in Sand

Before discovering sand sculpting in 2006, Dutch artist Joris Kivits built a versatile creative career in graphic design, art direction for film and TV, photography, illustration, and large-scale mural work. But after his first sand project in Lommel, Belgium, he found his true calling.

Since then, Joris has sculpted across Europe, including a key competition in Berlin (2008), thanks to connections formed in the international carving community. Today, sculpture is his full-time profession — and sand, his favourite medium.

Fascinated by the beauty and transience of sand art, Joris describes it as a form of theatre:

“You can enjoy it as long as it’s there — and then only the memory and the pictures remain.”

Follow his creative journey on Instagram: @joris_kivits

Art with Depth — Stories Carved in Sand

Based in Toronto, Bob Atisso brings a soulful and expressive approach to sand sculpting, using his art to explore the many facets of life. His creations go beyond surface beauty, offering viewers a chance to reflect, feel, and connect with the deeper meanings behind each sculpture.

Bob’s work is known for its therapeutic quality, inviting onlookers into a quiet dialogue with the piece — whether it’s about resilience, emotion, culture, or shared human experience. Each sculpture is more than a structure; it’s a story told through sand, shaped by years of artistic exploration and insight.

At the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, Bob is here to do more than sculpt — he's here to share, inspiring festivalgoers with his creative spirit and inviting them to see the art of sand in a new light.

Come experience Bob’s thoughtful work and discover the story waiting just beneath the surface.