IslandVibesIOP.com 11 COMMUNITY Sand savant Piccolo Spoleto artist sculpts whimsical wonders from beach’s bounty By Laura Fogarty Pup-centric Fun in the Island Sun Isle of Paws Music Fest Returns By Allyah Harrar 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. Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition Best in Show team Rhett and Doug Vogel, Charles McCutcheon and Tommy Freeman. Calling all dog lovers, mark your calendars because the Isle of Paws Music Fest is back and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. Set beneath the oaks at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, the festival will be held on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., with both twolegged and four-legged guests welcome. Free and open to all ages, this pawsitive event blends live music, local vendors and plenty of pup-centric fun into one evening. At its heart, Isle of Paws is a celebration of our community, bringing together pet owners, animal advocates and local businesses for a night of both connection and entertainment. Attendees can expect a curated mix of pet-related vendors and local rescues on site, offering everything from adoption opportunities to information and services that help keep Charleston’s furry residents happy and healthy. One of the most anticipated activities will be the dog show, where proud pet parents can show off their companions in a variety of categories. From “Best Dressed” to “Cutest Puppy” (for dogs under 1 year old) and “Best Looking,” the contest is sure to bring in a little friendly competition and a lot of cuteness. Rescue dogs will also have their moment in the spotlight, with awards for both best male and female rescues highlighting the importance of adoption and providing our canine friends with a second chance. For those looking to participate, registration for the dog show is open now. With limited spots available on the day of, organizers encourage early sign-ups to secure your place in the lineup. The music will set the tone for the evening with live performances from local favorites like New Ghost Town and Flatt City Bluegrass. Beyond the music and festivities, guests will have a variety of food trucks and concessions available to them. Plus, for dog owners interested in training and certification, S.T.A.R. will be on site offering K-9 Good Citizenship testing (an added bonus for those looking to take their pup’s skills to the next level). While dogs must remain leashed throughout the majority of the event, an on-site dog park will be available for off-leash play to give pups a chance to burn off energy and socialize in a safe space. What if you don’t have a dog? That’s no problem at all. Isle of Paws is just as much about the people as it is the pets, offering a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, food and friendly faces. So, whether you’re looking to enter your dog in the show, browse local vendors or simply soak up the springtime vibes, the Isle of Paws Music Fest is a reminder of how much joy our fourlegged friends bring to everyday life and how our community comes together to celebrate them. Photos from 2025 Isle of Paws flyer
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