HCC students get creative when carving pumpkins
By R. Nicole Beer
Staff Writer

 To the left there’s a fire breathing dragon, to the right there’s a pirate. Directly in front is Batman’s signal in the night sky.       

Most people assume that pumpkin carving is for cutesy couples and parents with their kids, but this is not the case. On Oct. 27, an art class consisting of 10 students ranging in age sat down and began making pumpkins into art.

Jerri Griffin, art instructor, wanted her students to create 3D art. The students were to design a pattern that had to be flexible enough to be placed upon a curved surface.

In class, the design was placed onto the pumpkin, pinned there, and then little holes were poked through the paper into the pumpkin, allowing the design come to life.  If the student wished to check on their progress, then all they had to do was go into the darkened classroom next door and place a small bulb into the unfinished project. The light would then shine through the holes and show exactly what it would look like.

Once the holes were completely poked, the pumpkin was carved in order as if it were a dot-to-dot activity. The pumpkin designs ranged from a dragon, to a superhero called to the rescue, and there was even a tiger design.

 Jean Cumbie, Sterling, said it was “so much fun,” as her pumpkin soaked after being carved. After the pumpkin soaked, it was coated with Vaseline to keep the moisture in and keep the cuts fresh. The complete process of poking, carving, and soaking the pumpkins took about seven hours.

Tammy Peterson, Hutchinson, did a pumpkin carving of the Oakland Raiders logo for her boyfriend.

“I had great aspirations of it being easier and more perfect, but then again I have never carved a pumpkin before,” Peterson said.

The pumpkins carved were on display in the lobby of the Stringer Fine Arts building Oct. 28-29.