Retired Jersey Shore firefighter creates stunning 20,000-pound sand sculpture
Matthew Deibert, a retired Atlantic City firefighter and internationally‑known sand sculptor, turned the lobby of Caesars Atlantic City into a temporary Roman‑inspired palace. The 8.5‑foot‑tall, 10‑foot‑wide sand sculpture, weighing roughly 20,000 pounds, was unveiled to mark the opening of the new Caesars Beach Club. Deibert and his three sons spent more than 150 hours shaping the piece, which was built between July 15 and July 22.
Beyond its sheer scale, the work functions as performance art; visitors gathered to watch the sand shift and engaged in over a thousand conversations with the artist. The sculpture not only celebrates the casino’s sleek design but also echoes Atlantic City’s long‑standing relationship with sand sculpting.
A lifelong resident, Deibert first served a decade as a city lifeguard before a 25‑year career with the fire department, retiring as captain. His transition from public service to sand artistry underscores a personal devotion to the city’s shoreline heritage.