Master Duo Sculptors

In this corner… Hailing from the 13-mile shores of the "Live Free or Die" state: New Hampshire… A United States Marine Corps veteran… A second-generation sand sculptor with grit in his blood and creativity in his hands… Introducing the Texas Sandfest reigning doubles champion, Greg J. Grady — “G2!” As a youngster, summer vacations were spent on the beaches of Cape Cod, where the art of sand was introduced by his father. Following in his footsteps, the exploration began for the next generation sand artist. Greg's "Irish luck" would have him working in the world’s largest sandboxes and learning from world renowned sand sculptors. G2's journey has transformed into an extraordinary full-time career. For over the last 15 years Greg has created sculptures for every type of event imaginable- from local shores to national stages. He battled the elements — sun, wind, rain, and the ticking clock — and walked away with sculptures that left crowds stunned. Projects of all types: from moments of creating a romantic beach proposal, to Guiness World Record builds, luxurious parties on private islands, promotional and team-building events, to exhibitions and competitions When he’s not sculpting, he has played a pivotal role in organizing some of the most iconic sand sculpting festivals and exhibitions, to include Atlantis RIsing and the annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic, founded by the Grady family more than 25 years ago. His dedication to promoting the art form has brought together artists and fans alike, creating memorable experiences that celebrate creativity and this incredibly unique craft. When competition time arrives, he steps into the sand pile ready to shovel, pack, and carve the next awe-inspiring, gravity-defying sculpture. He’s precise. He’s relentless. He believes in the beauty of the grind — and the magic of the medium and its transient nature. And when he’s not transforming grains of sand, he’s building something even greater at home — spending time with his longtime girlfriend, their son, and his two stepchildren. The legacy continues, with a third-generation sand prodigy already rising through the ranks. So, ladies and gentlemen… When the horn sounds and the carving begins… Watch closely. Because G2 doesn’t just sculpt sand — He brings the “WOW.” Together with his doubles partner, the one and only Abe Waterman, they are here as the team to beat, defending their title as reigning champions. To follow Greg’s travels and creations, visit: Instagram: ItsJustSand_Sculpture Abe Waterman is a talented sand sculptor from Prince Edward Island, Canada, known for his creative and out-of-the-box approach to ephemeral art. Growing up in Canada’s smallest province, Abe was immersed in art from a very early age. He began producing artwork when he was young, often using crayons and his diapers as makeshift canvases. This playful spirit carried through into his adult years as he transitioned from sketching and painting to working with more temporary materials, including snow, sand, and ice. Abe’s journey into sculpting began in the early 2000s with snow sculptures, and by 2007, he was invited to participate in a sand sculpting exhibition as the “token local.” That opportunity sparked a new passion, and since then, Abe has fully embraced sand sculpture as his career. He now works primarily with ephemeral mediums like sand and snow, occasionally creating more permanent works in wood and stone.