Penghu attracts visitors with sand paintings

2014-12-01

Sand paintings created by teachers and students from National Penghu University of Science and Technology at Neian Beach in Xiyu Township are set to become a top attraction in the outlying county.

Incorporating a variety of traditions and styles, the sand paintings are the brainchild of Hu Chun-chieh, director of NPUST’s Department of Marine Sports and Recreation. “I came up with the idea after watching a YouTube video of foreign artists using the beach as a canvas,” he said.

As Penghu comprises 64 islands and islets, Hu said he thought it would be the perfect location for a similar undertaking. After sharing his idea with Chung Yi-hui, an art teacher with NPUST continuing education program, he was soon leading a band of students in transforming the pristine sands of Neian into artistic creations.

According to Hu, anyone can use a bamboo pole to create sand paintings. “Such an activity is not limited by the seasons, nor by the availability of pigments. All you need is a camera to record your creations for posterity before the waves wash them away,” he said.

With NPUST at the vanguard of county government efforts to identify new opportunities for local businesses, Hu said he is always looking for new scenic spots with cultural and creative potential.

One idea is to make sand painting by local residents a form of beach performance art. “This would attract tourists and bring in additional revenue,” he said, adding that the visitors could even take part in the activity after it becomes established.

Hsiung Yuan-hung, a participating student, said it remains to be seen if the project will take root. “Irrespective, sand painting has been a satisfying experience and helped us better appreciate the beauty of Xiyu.”

With the results of the first sand painting efforts already a Web minisensation, Hu plans to hold a second edition toward the middle of next month.

“This time we will incorporate more Penghu characteristics,” he said. “And if all goes to plan, sand painting is on track to become a regular event in Penghu after the annual ocean fireworks festival wraps up in June.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xitem=224590&CtNode=416)