Pumpkin Painting
2022 is my second year working as a pumpkin artist at the Minnesota Zoo. The art pumpkins are part of a fall event called "Jack-o-Lantern-Spectacular", a display of thousands of freshly carved pumpkins along a half mile path through the woods. About 150 large art pumpkins are displayed alongside smaller, traditionally carved pumpkins.
The art pumpkins are very large, weighing between 80 to more than 100 pounds. The drawings are made with alcohol ink markers, paint brushes and liquid ink. Once a drawing is completed, the pumpkin's surface is lightly carved to create highlights. When ready to display, the pumpkins are cut open through the back and the seeds removed. The pumpkin is then placed on the trail and a light placed inside to create a luminous, glowing image.
Working alongside a team of talented artists is an extremely rewarding experience.
