Sand sculptor Tommy Freeman has competed in the last 14 of the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition’s 37 years. What began as a casual family activity has become a tradition for Freeman and a treasured summertime ritual. His team name has changed several times over the years as have its members, from including his wife and children to eventually encompassing friends, neighbors and colleagues.
The one thing that remains a constant though, contest after contest, pickle bucket of sand after pickle bucket of sand, is Freeman’s love of and passion for creating temporary art in the sand. Freeman has won just about every category during his time spent competing at Piccolo Spoleto: Best in Family, Best in Architecture, Best in Creativity; in 2021 he took the top title, Best in Show.
“Building in the sand is a stress reliever for me,” explained Freeman. “I don’t have to think about anything at all. I’m just focused on the sand, and the sculpting comes from muscle memory at this point.”
Freeman continued, “I’ve always liked creating and working with my hands. I’ve loved woodworking and I’ve also always loved to draw. Sand sculpting is a way for me to bring illustrations to life.”
“My only A’s in school were earned in wood shop,” Freeman laughed, “and as a matter of fact in the sixth grade I made a clock that my shop teacher wanted to enter in the Oklahoma State Fair. I wanted to give the clock to my grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary. The timeline didn’t work for both to be possible, so I gave it to my grandparents.”
Freeman is the owner-operator of JAC Services, a local HVAC company. When he’s not working, he likes to “relax” by not only sculpting in the sand but also with metal work. “I have several Broncos,” Freeman explained, “both newer and vintage. I enjoy creating roll cages, bumpers, utility racks, that type of thing.”
As a young boy, Freeman spent his free time using his creativity for problem-solving. He recalled how he once built a trap to catch gophers in the backyard with a laundry basket, a stick and some string. The medium has changed over time, but the ingenuity and problem-solving remain. Freeman elaborated, “Building something from the sand relaxes me and brings me joy. It seems to make people happy too, so that’s a nice feeling, making people smile.”
You can catch Freeman and other local and regional artists at the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition, which will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Front Beach, Isle of Palms. Here’s to hoping for good weather and even better artwork from Freeman and his competitors.
By Laura Fogarty
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