Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey—the birthplace of professional sand sculpting—Matthew Deibert grew up just steps from the shoreline, where the sand quickly became both his playground and his canvas. Inspired by family trips to the beach, Matthew began shaping sand into castles, tunnels, and imaginative structures long before realizing it would one day become his life’s work.
As he explored the history of sand sculpting in his hometown, Matthew’s passion for the medium grew. He combined that enthusiasm with a broader love for the arts, earning a BA in Graphic Design from Mercyhurst University and a BFA in Sculpture from Stockton University.
A retired Captain of the Atlantic City Fire Department, Matthew is also a devoted husband and proud father of six. His passion for sand has become a family affair—three of his sons (Ian, Matt Jr., and Liam) now join him in sculpting adventures around the world. Together, they’ve competed as a team in international events, turning a creative passion into a lasting family tradition.
Matthew is the founder of Sand Creation LLC. You can follow his work at SandCreation.com, on Facebook at Sandcreation, and Instagram @SandcreationNJ.
Career Highlights & Accolades:
Matthew has traveled the globe to sculpt—from the beaches of Normandy to the shores of Florida and beyond. He thrives on live performance, turning sand sculpting into an interactive experience filled with artistry, storytelling, and humor. For Matthew, it’s not just about what you build—it’s about the connection you create in the moment.
When he’s not sculpting, you’ll find Matthew enjoying life with his family along the New Jersey shore or out on the golf course—though he admits he tries to avoid the sand there.
Recently named America's #1 Beach, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here.