Revisiting the artist behind the Circles in the Sand on the Oregon coast

Peak Northwest

Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from July, 2021. Be sure to visit the Circles in the Sand Labyrinths this year.

Denny Dyke’s elaborate sand drawings are a sight to behold. But to experience the labyrinths for yourself is an entirely different experience.

Dyke has since 2011 been drawing the labyrinths into low-tide Oregon beaches, and his Circles in the Sand project really took off in 2015, when he started working on it full-time. This past year he’s seen more people than ever show up at his southern Oregon events, or “draws,” estimating upwards of 400 people each day.

For Dyke, a religious practitioner, his “dreamfields” are more than interesting attractions, however. They’re deeply spiritual creations that offer real healing to those who walk them.

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we catch up with Dyke about his project.

Some highlights:

• Dyke describes the labyrinths and provides a visual of what they look like.
• He shares how he got started creating labyrinths.
• He details how he and his artists create the designs.
• Dyke explains why Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon became his go-to spot for drawing labyrinths.
• He describes how he contends with beach conditions.
• He explains that Circles in the Sand is more than a neat attraction: It’s an attempt to spread love, joy, peace and harmony — and offer real healing to people who visit.
• Jamie and Jim give listeners the lowdown on other things to do in Bandon.

View the full Circles in the Sand schedule at sandypathbandon.com.

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