World's Largest Pumpkin Carving By Ray Anthony Villafane

Ray Anthony Villafane (March 5, 1969) is an multi-talented artist who is best known for his American Pop Culture sculpting abilities. He has also received nationwide recognition as a Master Pumpkin Sculptor on the Show for sweeping all three rounds in their 2008 Show. He has since been featured across the world for his pumpkin carving skills.
Early Life and Career
Ray was born in Queens, , to Reinaldo Villafane and Virginia (Guzman)Villafane and was raised on Long Island. He has three siblings, two sisters and one brother. Ray showed a passion for art at a very young age and was highly encouraged to pursue his passion by his Mother. Ray's natural artistic abilities were also recognized early on by by his classmates and teachers throughout his academic career. Ray graduated from the in New York City in 1991. However, also having a passion for children, Ray pursued a career in teaching. From 1993 to 2006 Ray was an art teacher in for kindergarten through twelfth grade students. During his teaching career, Ray began "dabbling" in pumpkin sculpting as a project with his students. After several requests from students parents, Ray realized he was on to something with his pumpkins and started offering them to hotels and restauarants in the area making it his fall hobby for several years.