48-Hour Mural Project winners announced

Each muralist in this year’s 48-Hour Mural Project: Pittsburgh was challenged to complete a large-scale mural in just one weekend (Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28), while incorporating a shared set of surprise prompts: a manager named Samantha Swope, a burrito, fireworks, a red ribbon, and the line “Don’t let it slip away.” Inspired by the fast-paced format of the 48 Hour Film Project, artists worked instinctively, transforming unexpected elements into works of art that reflected both creativity.

The winners of the 48-Hour Mural Project: Pittsburgh were announced on Thursday, October 30, during the 48 Hour Film Project Awards Ceremony and Screening at the Rangos Giant Cinema in the Carnegie Science Center. The event brought together filmmakers and muralists for a shared celebration of creativity under pressure. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three muralists, with each receiving a statuette. All murals have also been entered into the National Mural Awards for national recognition.

Brian Gonnella won Best Mural for his abstract composition that used the required motifs, burritos, the red ribbon, firecrackers, and “Sam Swope”, as symbolic visual elements rather than a literal story.

Korey Edmonson earned Second Place for a bright, narrative-driven mural that centered Samantha as the main character, wove the ribbon into her attire, and reimagined fireworks in an unexpected way.

Wavy Wednesday took Third Place for her vibrant “Wavy Witch,” a pop-art celebration of Black womanhood and Halloween whimsy.

The Lawrenceville Legacy Award was presented to V Jennings for Sam the Conqueror, a fragmented portrait exploring resilience and self-discovery through bold color, composition, and the community-chosen element, fireworks.

An Honorable Mention went to Jules Mallis for Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly Returns After 87 Years, honoring the neighborhood’s ecology and conservation efforts that brought the butterfly back to Pittsburgh after nearly a century.

The 48-Hour Mural Project, held at the former Leslie Park Pool (4600 Butler St.), was organized by Most Wanted Fine Art, in collaboration with BOOM Concepts, the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, and Lawrenceville United, and sponsored by ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages. The completed murals remain on view at the Leslie Park Pool site, serving as a colorful farewell to a beloved neighborhood landmark and a testament to the creative spirit that defines Lawrenceville.