October 3rd might seem a little early for a pumpkin-carving contest. But with spooky decorations to set the mood and DJ MB (Matt Buchholz) to spin the tunes, last year the Penn Brewery garage radiated a perfect Halloween vibe. For 90 minutes, individual and team carvers put in all of their effort to create a carved pumpkin masterpiece that the judges deemed the best. In addition to the carving action, we had kids activities with Assemble and Mattress Factory, a photo booth with fun props, and GUTS merch for sale.

4 individuals and 4 teams carved their hearts out for a goopy 90 minutes at the annual AIGA PGH GUTS benefit competition. As a panel of celebrity judges reviewed their pumpkin-based masterpieces, a crowd of more than 100 enjoyed children’s activities (co-sponsored by Assemble and the Mattress Factory), a photo booth and GUTS merchandise shop.

The proceeds, which AIGA PGH donated to the region’s Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter, helped enrich the lives of two local children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions.

GUTS Pittsburgh 2016 will be on Saturday, October 15 at Penn Brewery. Join us in the cause and sign up to be a carver on September 1st. More details can be found at gutspittsburgh.com.

Champion Carvers, 2015

Individuals:
1st Place, Ron Seman
2nd Place, Jim Morgan
3rd Place, Craig Otto

Teams:
1st Place, Wall-to-Wall Studios
2nd Place, Union No. 412 Local Pumpkin Carvers
3rd Place, Thoughtform, Inc.

GUTS Pittsburgh 2016

Join AIGA PGH and friends for this year’s festivities. Doors open at 3:30 PM on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Penn Brewery, 800 Vinial St., on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Feeling competitive? Visit gutspittsburgh.com for details on how to register.

Big thanks to our 2016 sponsors:
Wall-to-Wall Studios
Commonwealth Press
Barkley REI
Code & Supply
Builder Code Works
Penn Brewery
 TechShop