Central Oregon Coast's 'Dr Dune' Center of Show in Florence: Sandboarding as Art

Published 01/18/26 at 3:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) - Florence - internationally recognized as both Oregon's Coastal Playground and The Sandboarding Capital of the World - is highlighting the work of one of its most influential innovators. Throughout January and February 2026, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special art exhibit featuring handcrafted sandboards created by globally known sandboarding pioneer and artist Lon Beale, widely recognized as “Dr. Dune.”

The exhibit, hosted at the Chamber's Visitor Center and Art Gallery at 290 Highway 101, showcases sandboards as both high-performance sporting equipment and distinctive pieces of functional art.

Lon Beale founded Sand Master Park, the world's first sandboarding park, located at 4981 Highway 101 in Florence. He also co-founded Dune Riders International, the governing body for competitive sandboarding worldwide. Over the past 20 years, he has coached world champions, welcomed ESPN and FOX Sports to televise competitions, and helped position Florence as a major destination for adventure sports.

Beale's artistic career is equally notable. With more than four decades of experience as a graphic designer, he has operated Xwest Custom Apparel in Southern California, taught design in schools and correctional facilities, and mentored countless students in photography, airbrushing, screen printing, Photoshop, and design fundamentals.

His fusion of visual art and athletic performance is central to the new exhibit.

Bettina Hannigan, President/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “Lon Beale is a true artistic genius.”

Sandboards as Custom, Collectible Art

The exhibit includes eight handcrafted sandboards and two sand sleds produced under Beale's Florence-based brands, Venomous Sandboards and Monarch Sandboards. Each piece blends digital design with hand-painted artwork, featuring themes that range from wildlife imagery to vivid, semi-psychedelic patterns.

“My goal is to help people see sandboards as functional art,” Beale said. “They're meant to be ridden - but also proudly displayed, much like a custom guitar. A personalized board becomes a reflection of its owner.”

Beale, who also designs custom guitars, has contributed to the evolution of the sport through innovations such as wet-sand sandboards and sand sleds, expanding access for riders of all ages and abilities.

After exploring sandboarding terrain around the world, Beale and his wife, Robin, selected Florence as the home of Sand Master Park in 2000.

“Florence has some of the most rideable sand on the planet,” Beale said.

Beale also talked to Oregon Coast Beach Connection a few years ago about the coveted and rare “singing sands.” Florence is one of the few areas in the world that has this.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 290 Highway 101 in Florence.

For more information, call 541-997-3128, email info@FlorenceChamber.com, or visit FlorenceFun.com.

- Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

Volunteer inquiries may be directed to Visitor Center Manager Lisa Brandow at vcmanager@FlorenceChamber.com. For Chamber membership, programs, and advocacy, contact Bettina Hannigan at bettina@florencechamber.com.

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