While most people see summer as a chance for some fun in the sun, swimming and tanning aren’t the only things going on at the beach.

In fact, each year, artists from all over the globe meet in the sand to show off their sculpting skills—whether they’re professional artists hoping to make it to the World Championship of Sand Sculpting or amateurs just in it for fun.

The results, as can be seen in photos taken are absolutely brilliant. Human forms, expressive faces, architectural details, and strange creatures come to life in an amazing display of artistic talent.

 

  

Visitors were wowed by the diverse collection of sculptures, which will remain standing until they erode away naturally.