Scholarship Award Recipients: (L-R) Zack Cantor, Sadie Solorzano Tempio, Chloe Roeterdink, (Emily Voyls not pictured) Photo Credit: Nancy Nassiff
February 12, 2025. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that a $10,000 donation was made to the Ringling College of Art and Design Student Scholarship Fund on behalf of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, held November 15-18, 2024. The annual 4-day event hosts 24 master sand sculptors from around the world, highlighting a unique artform and transforming the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery.
The festival has grown into a premier destination event and attracts 40,000 attendees and generates millions in economic impact for tourism and our local community. The mission is to promote tourism, local businesses and the visual arts via the production of one of the most unique sculpture festivals held in the world on the #1 beach in the U.S.
The Chamber proudly supports the scholarship program which helps reduce the cost of tuition, fees, books, art supplies, and other educational expenses, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students and their families.
Scholarships break down financial barriers, allowing students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, first-generation college students, and underrepresented groups, to pursue higher education and get the jobs of their dreams.
These students go on to contribute to our favorite animated movies, the coolest title sequences, illustrated books, direct films, design games and products that support health care, and so much more.
Their grads have won Emmys, Oscars, Annies, ADDYs, Director’s Guild Awards, and an American Library Association Award—and this was just in the last year alone!
Congratulations to this year’s Student Scholarship Award Recipients: Zack Cantor (Illustration), Sadie Solorzano Tempio (Entertainment Design), Chloe Roeterdink (Game Art), and Emily Voyls (Photography & Imaging). Visit www.ringling.edu to learn more and make an impact in a student’s life.
Plan to join us for the 15th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic, November 14-17, 2025. Visit www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com for event information or call the Chamber office at 941-349-3800.
Recently named America's #1 Beach, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here.