Sand sculpting world championships

[NEP]

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On a parking lot in Federal Way between a defunct Target store and a former Toys 'r Us, the 2010 World Championship of Sand Sculpting is taking place. Martijn Rijerse from the Netherlands, working with Hanneke Supply from Belgium, is immersed in his work, "Take A Step Back," a disconnected face parts that merge depending on the viewers position. The paired teams finish these pieces Saturday afternoon with winners announced one week later. Rijerse and Supply are the current reigning world champion doubles team.

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Frances Painter, a spectator at the sand sculpting championships in Federal Way, says "it's just fascinating."

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Edith van de Wetering from the Netherlands, works on "Your Place of Mine?" with partner Wilfred Stijger.

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Joris Kivits of the Netherlands brushes away sand from "La Gracia," the piece he is sculpting with Michela Ciappini of Italy.

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Helena Bangert from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, works on the intertwined figures she and Joo Heng Tan from Singapore are sculpting.

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"Spiritual Vision" is being carved here by Ray Villafane and John Gowdy, who is working the other side of the piece.

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The maquette or scale model for "Take A Step Back" rests on a table in front of the sand sculpture as it takes shape Friday.