Fall at the Gardens 2023 Harvest Illuminated at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens in Grand Junction Oct. 26th – Oct. 28.

Date/Time: OCT 26 AT 5 PM MDT – OCT 28 AT 9 PM MDT.

Fall at the Gardens: Harvest Illuminated Western Colorado Botanical Gardens

This signature fundraising event continues our partnership with Willy Tuz – renowned artist and carver from Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” and “Halloween Wars”. And, as in years past, brings together talented artists from around the world to create illuminated sculptures made entirely of pumpkins. Our carving team this year includes returning Food Network competitors and World Ice Art Champions, in addition to very talented artists local to Colorado. Harvest Illuminated is truly an unprecedented attraction, unrivaled on the Western Slope, and has grown exponentially since its inception in 2020.

Proceeds from the event will benefit STRiVE’s person-centered programs, serving children and adults with disabilities. These vital community resources help to ensure our most vulnerable population receives the developmental support they so desperately need. Our mission to support individuals and families has been a mainstay in Mesa County for over 50 years.

David Smith (Columbus, OH) has been a professional ice sculptor since completing culinary school in 2012 and is the owner of Frost Lion Ice Plus, an extreme sculpture company.   Over the course of his noteworthy career, David has earned over 80 National Ice Carving Association medals (5 Gold) and has had multiple Top 5 finishes in the World Ice Art Championships (3 Gold).  He also serves on the Board of Directors for Ice Alaska.

A true master of his craft, David’s undeniable talents and carving skills manifest in many artistic mediums, including (but not limited to) sand, fruit, and pumpkins.  He has been a competitor on Food Network’s “Halloween Wars”, “Cake Wars: Christmas Challenge”, “Outrageous Pumpkins” and winning “Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror.”  In addition, he was featured last Fall on ABC’s LIVE with Kelly and Ryan.

Willy Tuz (Grand Junction, Colorado) Is the Chef and Founder of Colorado Fruit Designs in Grand Junction. Food Network Finalist on Halloween Wars season 12 in 2022 and Outrageous Pumpkins season 1 in 2020. Tuz has been a professional culinary carver for more than 18 years and specializes in pumpkin carvings, sculpting fruit, vegetables and other foods into elaborate displays and outrageous carving centerpieces!

Mujii Tsagaan Munkh-erdene (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) is the Director of the Mongolian National Ice Carving Association and a member of the “Union of Mongolian Artist” Professional Carver.  For the last 20 years, he has been creating amazing works of art from wood, ice, snow, and pumpkins.  This is Mujii’s second year carving at Harvest Illuminated.

Keith Martin is the owner of Snice Carvings and captain of Breckenridge International Snow sculpting team.  He is a designer and builder of snow and ice sculptures throughout the rocky mountains and an artist of all things.  Keith has been carving for Harvest Illuminated since its inception in 2020! I believe you can do anything you want to with dedication and hard work. And somehow, I get to continue being creative every day. More information regarding Keith and his amazing creations can be found here.

Lkhagvadorj Dorjsuren (Ulaanbaatar Mongolia) is affectionately known as “George” and is a top chainsaw carver traveling the world and competing in various events.  Working in wood, ice and pumpkins, his skill level and creations are truly museum worthy.  George is the talent behind last year’s unicorn sculpture featured on the Harvest Illuminated flyer and we are honored to have him join us again this year.