For a fifth year, San Clemente sand sculptor Jay Bellamy has inspired Easter worshipers with a 12-foot-long crucifix carved into the soft sand at Dana Point Harbor’s Baby Beach.
On Friday, March 7, a couple hundred people – many in shorts and flip-flops – gathered in a huge circle around the sand sculpture depicting Jesus on the cross. It was the centerpiece of an informal gathering, including a sermon, praise music and communion, for Good Friday.
“We’re putting together this service in honor and to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Bellamy, who wore a “Heaven Yeah! Hell No” T-shirt for the event he helped organize with longtime friends, Antonia and Billy Joe Dudney, of Newport Beach. “We’re all miracles through him.”
The gathering drew people from across Orange County who said they shared the same passion and compassion for God and people as the organizers.
“The reason we’re excited to do this year after year is to bring hope and encouragement to people,” Antonia Dudney said. “What a perfect occasion to gather together: On Good Friday of the Easter weekend, which is known as the ‘Resurrection Weekend.’”
Bellamy said he’s seen the impact of the service in the last five years, both for passersby who stumbled upon it by chance and locals who know it’s become a thing.
The artist has been doing sand sculptures for more than two decades. His first was a dolphin at San Clemente pier, which he created as a tribute to his younger sister, who died near there in 1995 when she was struck by a train.
From there he continued, first with a series of sea creatures, then wilderness animals and then pop culture characters. Each time he drew dozens of onlookers, convincing Bellamy he had the ability to touch people. He’s also pays tribute to military service members and veterans with battlefield crosses on Memorial Day.
“It has given joy, not only to locals, but people from other states and countries,” Bellamy said….
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