Florence, Oregon—known globally as both Oregon’s Coastal Playground and The Sandboarding Capital of the World—is shining an artistic spotlight on one of its most innovative visionaries. Throughout January and February 2026, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce proudly presents a one-of-a-kind art exhibit featuring handcrafted sandboards by globally acclaimed sandboarding pioneer and artist Lon Beale, internationally known as “Dr. Dune.”
On display at the Chamber’s Visitor Center and Art Gallery at 290 Highway 101, the exhibit redefines sandboards as both high-performance sports equipment and striking works of functional art.
An Artistic Genius Who Changed a Global Sport
Lon Beale is the founder of Sand Master Park (4981 Highway 101 in Florence), the world’s first sandboarding park, located in Florence, Oregon, and a co-founder of Dune Riders International, the governing body of global competitive sandboarding. Over the past two decades, Beale has coached world champions, hosted ESPN and FOX Sports to televise competitions, and helped elevate Florence onto the international adventure sports map.
Equally impressive is Beale’s artistic legacy. A master graphic designer with more than 40 years of experience, Beale has owned and operated Xwest Custom Apparel in Southern California, taught graphic design in schools and correctional institutions, and launched countless creative careers through instruction in photography, airbrushing, screen printing, Photoshop, and design principles.
His ability to merge visual art with athletic performance is on full display in this exhibit.
“Oh. My. Goodness! People have no idea how beautiful a sandboard can be,” said Bettina Hannigan, President/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “These boards are bold, graphic, polished, and absolutely breathtaking. Lon Beale is a true artistic genius.”
Sandboards as Custom, Collectible Art
The exhibit features eight handcrafted sandboards and two sand sleds, produced in Florence under Beale’s brands Venomous Sandboards and Monarch Sandboards. Each piece showcases a mix of digital design and hand-painted graphics, ranging from animal-inspired imagery to vibrant, semi-psychedelic compositions.
“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 crafts custom guitars with bold visual designs, has helped revolutionize the sport through innovations such as wet-sand sandboards and sand sleds, making sandboarding accessible year-round and approachable for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Florence: Where Art, Adventure, and Innovation Meet
After traveling the world in search of ideal sandboarding terrain, Beale and his wife, Robin, chose Florence in 2000 as the home for Sand Master Park.
“Florence has some of the most rideable sand on the planet,” Beale said. “It’s abundant, accessible, and paired with a community that has supported us from day one. Florence already was an incredible tourism destination—the sand just made it extraordinary.”
Visit the Exhibit
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 290 Highway 101, Florence, Oregon
For more information, call 541-997-3128, email info@FlorenceChamber.com, or visit FlorenceFun.com.
To learn about volunteering opportunities, contact Visitor Center Manager Lisa Brandow at vcmanager@FlorenceChamber.com. For Chamber membership, programs, and advocacy, contact Bettina Hannigan at bettina@florencechamber.com.
