COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Beachgoers will see people with shovels and rakes being directed by artist Todd Brittingham as they move sand in Cocoa Beach this weekend.
"You're seeing people digging and you see trenches," said Barbara Smith, a retired teacher from Satellite Beach. "When you are looking at it at ground level, you really don't get the full impact."
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News 6 partner Florida Today reports that this is the 28th annual Earth Work, during which Brittingham, with the help of friends, will create a large environmental sculpture in the sand. His sculptures, which he calls "Sky Messages," will come to life Saturday and Sunday behind the International Palm Resort in Cocoa Beach.
This year, Brittingham will create a giant Ouroborus, an ancient symbol. It's depicted as a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. It will take up space equivalent to two football fields and will be completed over the weekend.
Brittingham said he wants his creations on the beach in celebration of Earth Day to draw attention to the environment and the constant need to take care of it.
"I do see that there is a crisis and, as an artist, I want to say something," he said. "It becomes a platform. People are definitely educating me."
Over the years, the sculpting has brought together Brittingham's friends on the beach. Even passersby have joined in helping to create the sculptures once he has outlined the work. Once the work is completed, aerial photos are taken.
Brittingham, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, teaches art to children and has crafted his sand sculptures across Florida. It began 28 years ago when he was working at a foundry and would go to the beach with others after work to relax. He started the first image, and the idea began to grow.
"People started growing the group," he said. "They come up and ask: 'What are you doing? Can I help?'"
Smith, who was Brittingham's art teacher at Boone High School in Orlando, said she usually goes out to see the work being done on the beach. Other participants went to either high school or art school with Brittingham.
"It's just so neat," she said. "It's a time for a lot of friends to get together."
Brittingham's sister, Amy Todd of Satellite Beach, said it's rewarding for her and others to be part of helping to create the sculpture.
"It's an awesome experience," she said. "We all look forward to this every year."
"Ultimately, it's to draw awareness to the environment."