Nativity 2024 tech page

List of contact details:
David Ducharme for all questions regarding sculpting (design, pound up specs, etc.)
email: sculptlife@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (250) 505-2343 (Canada)
+39 351 6052534 (Italy)
Silvia Rebuli for all questions regarding travel tickets, pick up times and hotel reservations:
email: silvia.rebuli@comune.jesolo.ve.it
phone:+39 334 626 7730 (Italy)
Mauro Salamon Driver (Airport-hotel and back) if your flight is delayed or you are looking for your ride
phone: +39 338 9334243 (Italy)
Hotel & Residence Villa Sorriso
address: Via Andrea Bafile 10° Accesso al Mare, 13, 30016 Lido di Jesolo VE, Italy
website: http://www.villasorriso.com/
phone: +39 042 1380654 (Italy)
Work Site
address: Via XIII Martiri, 11, 30016 Jesolo VE, Italy
website: https://www.jesolosandnativity.it/​​
Info for Sculptors:
Silvia Rebuli from the tourist office will buy the flight tickets, she will contact you about your needs.
We will be picked up from the airport and brought to the hotel.
The hotel will provide us with bicycles to cycle to work remember to bring warm clothes and rain gear.
On site we are required to wear safety boots with steel toes, remember to bring your safety shoes and do your best to work within the local safety guidelines instructed on site.
The tent can be cold, humid and windy, bring appropriate clothing.
Working hours are from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Hours are flexible, but please work 8 hours per day.​
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Supplies present at worksite before carvers arrive:
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Drinking water, restocked as needed through the end of carving.
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Electricity and a working Wi-Fi Connection.
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A ready water hose source with nozzles.
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5 Barrels with w/plastic trash bag supply
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14 Shovels
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5 Crowbars
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5 Wire cutters.
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5 Hammers
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At least 30 buckets
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At least 24 working pump-up hand sprayers.
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2 Wheelbarrows
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The wood boxes and several small squares of flat pieces of wood.
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round plastic forms with clamps and one hand tamper.
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Red & White tape.
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Large rolls of thin plastic sheeting to put over the sculptures, against drop damage from roof
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A private toilet.
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A First Aid kit
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Tables and 15 chairs
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The coffee-pod coffee makers from storage.
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Gas heaters.
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2 Pro Helpers all day, every day
Material list














THE CREW
Susanne Ruseler
TEL.: +31 651722928
EMAIL: website susannemr@hotmail.com : http://www.susanneruseler.com/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/susanne_ruseler/
Dutch artist who has been working with sand since 2003, when she followed her passion for sculpture. She also loves to work with other materials such as ice, snow, and concrete. After finishing her university studies in biology she devoted herself full time to sculpture, participating in projects, events, and competitions all over the world. In 2018 she was part of the team that created the Nativity of St. Peter's Square, which the Municipality of Jesolo donated to Pope Francis.
COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS
Helena Bangert
+31 6 22 60 81 49
When I move the sand and it becomes a sand sculpture the sand sculpture moves me to directions I didn’t think of.
Just after my study at the Amsterdam Art Academy I was asked to make a sculpture to celebrate the founding of a retirement home for old seaman in a small Dutch coastal village. Situated in a beautiful dune area the thought of using sand as a medium came to me.The moment I started to use sand to make sculpture I got ‘hooked’ to it and from 2004 it has been the main medium I sculpt in. By traveling the world, it became possible to make it my professional job. Although I live in Holland a big part of the year I am somewhere else in the world creating sculptures.
Radovan Zivny
+420 736 418 224
(*1973, Czech republic)
A trained graphic designer (Atelier of Graphic Design of VítÄ›zslav Švalbach, Masaryk University Brno, 1993 -1996)
1997 beggins to sculpt the untraditional ephemeral media - sand. Within a few years his work recognised as being world class - taking part in the most prestigious sand events around the globe.
Later starts sculpting more traditional materials, mainly wood and iron.
2010 - 2013 Art-director of GOLDEN SAND FESTIVAL (Czech rep.)
2012 - 2013 Director of the cultural association ArtCONFRONTO (Portugal)
Selected events:
2023 Bornholm, Danmark Weymouth, Great Britain
2022 Middelkerke, Belgium Scorrano
2021 Oosterhout, Netherlands 2020 Tata, Hungary
2019 Sondervig, Danmark Zandford, Netherlands
2018 Vatican
Burgas, Bulgaria
2017 Phan Tiet, Vietnam Elburg, Netherlands
2016 Hundested, Danmark Nitra, Slovakia
2015 Sarasota, Florida (USA) Magdeburg, Germany
2014 Fulong, Taiwan
2013 Kuwait City, Kuwait Hurghada, Egypt Copenhagen, Danmark
2012 Brno, Czech rep.
Nižnyj Novgorod, Russia Troia, Portugal
2011 Weymouth, Great Britain Bogota, Columbia
2010 Die Hague, Netherlands 2009 Tottori, Japan
Moscow, Russia
2008 Ravenna, Italy
2007 Minomisatsuma, Japan Istanbul, Turkey
Vancouver, Canada
2006 Villahermosa, Mexico Haifa, Izrael
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
2005 Figueira da Foz, Portugal Zhoushan, China
2004 Vinaroz, Spain
2003 Jesolo Lido, Italy Athens, Greece
2002 Hardelot, France Zeebruge, Belgium
Public commissions:
2013 Memorial of A.Kolping, Blansko - Czech rep.
2010 Homenagem ao Pescadores, Albufeira - Portugal 2008 Homenagem ao Combatentes, Albufeira - Portugal
Marielle Heessels
+31 6 14 20 19 32
Marielle Heessels began her artistic voyage at 15, exploring the realms of model drawing and painting. As her creative prowess blossomed, she ventured into museums and amusement parks, sculpting and painting masterpieces that mirrored the wonders of nature. In 2006, a serendipitous encounter with sand sculpture transformed her path. The ephemeral and fast-paced nature of sand became her perfect medium, allowing her to work on a grand scale. She garnered numerous accolades, including the World Championship, and her sand art now graces exhibitions worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues and immerse herself in diverse cultures. Marielle's art captures the delicate harmony between humanity and the natural world, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate fleeting beauty. Her transformative journey continues, leaving an indelible mark on the sands of time
Baldrick Buckle
Baldrick (Richard) Buckle
+31 6 28889026
Baldrick is a professional sculptor from the UK. He has recently repatriated to England after 33 years of living all over the world, predominantly The`Netherlands where he began his career as a sand sculptor in 1996, founding the company Sandaholics Anonymous. He creates sculptures with the most varied materials, including snow, ice, bricks, cheese and chocolate. He recently began work in video special effects, where he transforms footage for feature films and advertisements. He has participated in the events organized in Jesolo since 2002.
Jakub Zimacek
Kuba (Jakub) Zimacek
+420 727 815 775
born: 1980 Nationality: Czech
Jakub started sand sculpting on beaches of south Spain while traveling in 2003. In 2005 participated in his first international sand sculpting festival in Portugal. Since then he has been sculpting sand on sand events all around the world and has won several prizes in competitions.
Vadim Gryadov
+7 908 636 63 45
Vadim was born in Russia in 1983. Master of architecture in Ural State University of Architecture and Arts. Living in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Since 2003 making sculptures in different materials. Since 2008 doing it as a full time job.
Hanneke Supply
+31 6 22 14 32 28
DOB: 03-04-1981 (Brugge)
Study: Interior Design Gent
Address: John Coltranestraat 27, 3069XK, Rotterdam Tel: 0622143228
Twenty years ago, I had my initial encounter with sand sculpture while working as a ticket salesperson during my summer job at a prominent sand sculpture park in Brugge. At the time, I was pursuing my studies in interior design, but I was instantly captivated by the material and the collaborative atmosphere among the group of sculptors working on a massive mound of sand.
Upon completing my studies in 2003, I seized an opportunity to sculpt sand on a project in Germany, and I gladly accepted the offer. From that point on, I pursued every job available to enhance my skills. As a result, a few years later, I found myself traversing the globe, indulging in my greatest passion of creating sculptures in sand, snow, ice, and foam.
During my travels, I encountered an individual who shared the same fervor, and together, we embarked on a thrilling journey across the world, crafting sculptures and forming connections with remarkable people. When we became parents, we brought our children along on our projects, allowing us to continue living our dream as a family.
However, amidst this process, a new aspiration gradually took shape within me—a desire to develop my artistic skills in two-dimensional forms as well. While I still persist in sculpting, for the material possesses an enchanting quality that I cannot forsake, I have also begun pursuing illustration as a means of sustenance. This shift is partially influenced by the fact that my children are growing up and attending school, making frequent travels less feasible.
Notable events and competitions:
2022; 3rd place Revere Beach sand competition
2017: Parksville, Canada, sculptor's choice in doubles
Vietnam Women's competition, 3rd place
2015: Boston Revere,USA, 2th in doubles with Suzanne Ruseler,Treasure Island , people's choice award solo
2013:
2012: 2010:
Virginia Beach, USA, North American Sand sculpture Championship, 5th in team.
Virginia Beach, USA, North American Sand sculpture Championship, 5th in team. Federal Way, USA, 'World Championships', 1st place doubles and sculptor’s choice.
Noordwijk, Netherlands, 1st prize.
2009: Leipzig, Germany 'Weltmeisterschaft'. 2nd prize and sculptor’s choice
2008: Harrison, Canada, World Championship Sand sculpting, 1st prize in doubles,
2nd prize in team.
2007, Zhoushan, China, Olympic event, 2nd in doubles.
Harrison, Canada, Tournament of Champions, 1 st prize sculptor’s choice. Quebec, Canada, 3rd in doubles.
Sondervig, Denmark, 2nd prize
2006: Virginia Beach, USA, North American Sand sculpture Championship, 1st in team. Harrison, Canada, World Championship Sand sculpting, 3rd in doubles and sculptor’s choice.
Scheveningen, 2nd prize, sculptor's choice.
2005: Scheveningen, Netherlands, 2nd prize. Harrison, Canada, 3rd prize teams
2004: Scheveningen, Netherlands, 1st prize. Harrison, Canada, 2nd prize teams.
2003: Harrison, Canada, best handpack doubles.
Dmitry Klimenko
+7 (921) 791 22 97
In 2004 I graduated from Saint Petersburg State Academy of Industrial Arts and in the same year started to carve sand.
After almost twenty years of participation in many international championships I still learn and discover new ways in this wonderful medium.
I took part in international festivals of sand sculpture in Japan, Hongkong, Russia, Canada, USA, Vietnam, Kuwait, Belgium, Netherlands Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Poland and Singapore.
It is a wonderful opportunity to grow and I don't want to stop working with sand. Also I work with ice, snow, bronze, wood and pumpkin carvings.
Michela Ciappini
+39 348 2835990
Michela Ciappini ( born in Longiano in 1976) is a sculptress and a set designer.
Graduated on set design in Bologna Art Academy, soon she started to work for various theater, tv-set production and theme parks.She worked as scenography maker for Verdi Festival Parma, Societas Raffaello Sanzio Theatre Company, Magic Land theme park, Macerata Opera Festival, Arena di Verona, Leonardo Costruzioni srl, Scene Up,etc.
Here she realized big props for Opera lyrics carving foam, painting it, wood and assembled materials, always open to use all different techniques and material.The show was traveling to international theater and directed by Hugo de Hana, Zeffirelli and other well known opera and cinema directors.
She also made few sculpture prototypes in plasticine and ceramic clay, assisting and modeling for a famous Italian designer Marcantonio, and those design pieces are sold all over the world.
An other big stream of her creations consist of creating sculptures with ephemeral materials such as sand, ice and snow. For the last years she has been engaged in many international projects for events companies who realize sculptural exhibition parks and amusement events.
She has been working in various theme park enterprises around Europe, and other continents, like in the first Sand Museum in the world in To[ori Japan. She carved sand and ice in Belgium, Holland, UK , Canada, Virginia ,Colombia ,Indonesia, Italy, Latvia, Russia, Switzerland ,Andorra, Australia, Germany, Australia ,Japan etc. Big sand and Ice sculpting event permitting her to experience carving and composing in big scale, such as 12 meter x 7 as in the big wall scene in Sondervig Denmark., or Igloo Hotel in Switzerland , Andorra and
Passo Del tonale Italy.
She has taken part in team-work creating a real scenography out of sand, ice and snow.
Recently she started as a performer to make live shows for special entertaining events. She carves ice on stage performing with music and spot lights. So she founded together with other 7 artists the Italian Artistic Ice academy association, which organizes and realizes ice sculptural events in Italy.
In 2020 she directed, designed and sculpted her first ice exhibition in Bellaria Italy, creating the biggest ice show at the moment in the country, with sculptures more than 2 meters high.
She consolidated experience on working with different materials, and adapting her way to operate on each project.
On a scenery atelier she applies her skill carving foam, modeling clay or plasticine, ceramic clay, concrete, wood. Michela is knowledgeable and excellent with painting, coloring and decorating props.
All her experiences lived internationally, in groups, and with all different conditions and materials, made her skills flexible and harmonious, growing the
Some price and awards gained during the years:
1st solo competition Italian Ice Sculpting Gelato d’Oro Rimini 2019;
1st price solo ice competition Jelgava Lithuania 2017;
• sculptor choice solo-competition San Diego U.S.Sand Sculpting Challenge 2014;
• 2nd place and sculptor choice Crystal Classic sand double competition Sarasota Florida 2013;
• sculpture choice solo-competition San Diego U.S.Sand Sculpting Challenge 2013;
• 1st place double-competition Virginia Beach Neptune Festival 2012;
• 3rd place solo-competition Italy Jesolo 2012;
• 3rd place solo-competition San Diego U.S.Sand Sculpting Challenge 2012;
• 4th place solo-competition ,Latvia Jelgava “Summer sign” 2011;
• 5th place solo-competition Canada Vancouver PNE, 2010;
• 2nd place solo-competition Latvia, Jelgava “Summer Sign” 2010;
• 1rd place doubles-competition, Italy Cervia 2009;
• 1st place solo competition Lithuania 2009.
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Pedro Mira
+351 964 457 430
Pedro was born in Lisbon in 1970, where he studied sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts and photography at the Portuguese Institute of Photography. He began his career in the early 1990s and has exhibited his work at various art exhibitions since then. For several years, he worked as a silver sculptor for a well-known silversmith in Lisbon while also pursuing his interests in photography, design, and sculpture in other mediums. In addition to creating his own work, Pedro Mira collaborated with other artists, sculpting and developing molds using various techniques.
Since 2006, Pedro Mira has been sculpting in sand and ice at major festivals and competitions around the world, and he has received several awards for his work. For the past four years, in addition to sand sculpture, he has been creating design and furniture woodwork.
Enguerrand David
+32 494 59 98 56
Enguerrand MAC DAVID (Brussels, 1977) always felt attracted by space design. Initially fascinated by architecture and historical heritage, he gradually opened himself to the art of sculpture thanks to his university training as an art historian and archeologist. He discovered the art of sand sculpture in 1999. Since 2003, he has participated in many events and competitions throughout the world. Mac is known for his multidisciplinary skills (illustrative representations, abstraction, landscaping, etc.) and his taste of experimentation (high reliefs, false perspective effects, etc.).
Slava Borecki
+48 607 806 869
Slava is a freelance sculptor with over 30 years of experience. After graduation, he worked at the Sculpture Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan. Since 1996 he has been taking part in multiple sand, snow, and ice sculpture festivals and competitions all over the world, winning numerous . Moreover, he works with bronze, stone, ice and snow. His works have been shown in individual and collective exhibitions in many European countries.
Ilya Filimontsev
+7 925 159 24 67
Ilya studied art and sculpture at the Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute. Since 2005, he has been sculpting sand while traveling all over the world. He has participated in more than 150 international sand sculpture events around the world.
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