MYRTLE BEACH — When a beach towel measuring 56 feet by 29 feet is laid out along the sand near the SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, it’s going to get a few curious glances.

And that’s just what Misael Soto was hoping for.

The Miami-based performance artist stitched the towel together himself last November to use as a social experiment. Throughout this summer, he’s taking his creation to popular beach destinations.

Saturday’s stop was along the Grand Strand.

Local resident Shelia Henry couldn’t resist the urge to find a spot on the towel for herself and others. Her initial reaction? “Wow, look at that big beach towel!”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Henry said.

Soto said he created the towel in an effort to bring people together in a public area and see how they behave.

Initially, they’re hesitant to come and stake out a spot on the towel, which Soto wants them to do. However, once one takes the leap, others seem to follow, he said.

“I think they get it right away that it’s a beach towel,” Soto said. He added that he loves seeing people’s general reactions to it.

Along for the ride with Soto are fellow Miami residents Alan Gutierrez and Karina Golkova. The three, along with a fourth member, have been traveling the country in a Chevrolet Impala to show off the towel.

Myrtle Beach was their sixth stop.

“We’re picking the most populated beaches,” Gutierrez said on their stops.

Other visits have been to beaches throughout the Sunshine State, like Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Golkova has enjoyed seeing children’s reactions. At one of their stops, a group of youngsters had a game of tag going while on the large towel, she added.

“The reactions have been amazing,” Golkova said.

Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301.