The Sandbox is the first place in Key West to offer sand sculptures as an activity to the public. Our mission is to be a professional part of the local community and reflect the artistic image of Key West in a new light. 

Who We Are

Looking for a summer job Marianne van den Broek stumbled into a job shoveling sand for a project near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It was the year 1999.



The following years her summers were spent traveling all over Western Europe to work on sand sculpture festivals carving sand, including the festival that broke the world record in 2001 with a 68' 6"  high sculpture.

After several opportunities to have a career  in different artistic fields, Chris Guinto chose to become a successful sand sculptor that pushes the envelope not only through his designs but also in his forms that defy gravity. WIth a back ground in special effects and art he combines the two in sculptures that touches an every imagination and shows you scenes in a fresh and original way.

In 2002 Marianne crossed the Atlantic Ocean to attend her first solo competition in the US. Many events followed and there was even time for romance when she got together with a competing carver, Chris, who is now her husband. 

In 2005 they moved to Key West. After working full time on the water and attending a couple of sand events a year, Marianne felt  it was time to do something with her knowledge of sand and bring sand sculpting to Key West. Since 2009 Sand-isle has created numerous sculptures, hopefully bringing as much joy to others as sand has always brought her.



The Sandbox is owned & operated by Sand-Isle LLC, registered and insured in the State of Florida.