Creating is central to celebrating a holiday, and Halloween is no different. It’s the time of year when DIYers and professionals alike bring out the big gourds to create spectacularly spooky showcases. And few places do Halloween DIY quite like the Hudson Valley, especially when it comes to pumpkin carving.
The Hudson Valley is home to Sleepy Hollow and the legend of the Headless Horseman, of course — but also to thousands upon thousands of carved pumpkins during the season. You’ll see them everywhere, from front steps and business storefronts to downtown parades and the famous Great Jack-o’-Lantern Blaze.
The sense of community generated this time of year is what drew full-time graphic artist Elizabeth McClain to pumpkin carving. Based in the Hudson Valley, McClain started carving as a hobby in college, drawing inspiration from nature, iconic artworks, and typography. It got her more involved with the local community — and it allowed her to flex her artistic muscle. These days, as the Pumpkin Bumpkin, McClain offers custom designs and carvings, live demonstrations, and private workshops.
“[It’s] been very fun and a great way for me to get to know other community members, participate in local events, and support other local businesses,” says McClain, adding that pumpkin carving helps showcase the bounty of beautiful produce our area has to offer.
Visual artist Chris Soria, who co-owns the Yonkers-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, likens pumpkin carving this time of year to a type of folk art. “It has its traditions in a variety of backgrounds, and it’s found its own cultural context in America,” he says. Combine that with the seasonal appeal of pumpkins, and you have an activity at the top of everyone’s fall bucket list.
It’s exactly how Soria’s professional foray into pumpkins started. With backgrounds in illustration and mural painting, Soria and his business partner Marc Evan started carving pumpkins for Halloween parties at their Brooklyn loft and for bars they worked at 20 years ago. Eventually they recognized the demand for their creations, and before long they were fulfilling orders for corporate events, weddings, and other clients.
In a single season, the “Maniacs” carve close to a thousand pumpkins that go far beyond the Eastern seaboard, all the way to the West Coast. Still, there’s something special about creating and seeing pumpkin displays here in the Hudson Valley.
“It’s the spectacle of it and its longevity in the region,” Soria says. Plus, he adds, “the Northeast grows really great pumpkins.”
Both McClain and Soria source pumpkins from a range of local farms, including Secor Farms in Mahwah, N.J.; Van Houten Farms in Rockland County; even Pennsylvania Dutch Country. And that — gathering the literal fruits of our region and creating art with them — is what makes Halloween and pumpkin carving so enjoyable.
“The common response to pumpkin carving is that it doesn’t last forever, and isn’t that a shame,” Soria says. “But that’s what makes it precious. You don’t have to take it seriously, but enjoying and seeing what you made is rewarding and brings the spectator into the moment.”
How to Carve a Pumpkin Like the Pros:
Look for inspiration everywhere. Not feeling the classic jack-o’-lantern this year? Those up for a challenge can look to their favorite movies, celebrities or other themes for inspo. The Maniac team, for example, has the Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine movies on their wishlist, and in Halloweens past, Soria says they’ve carved portraits of stars who have passed away and famous works of art like Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
Scope out a plan before scooping. First, pick a pumpkin with a healthy stem that has no bruises or blemishes. Then, sketch out your design on a piece of paper before using a ballpoint pen to draw out your vision on the pumpkin — the pen marks can be scrubbed off later. (Don’t forget to grab cleanup supplies and designate a proper workspace for this notoriously messy activity!)
Gather all the right tools. Use a paring knife, basic pumpkin saw, scooper, or any of those carving kits you see in stores for a standard carving job. For an etched design that involves shallow cuts on the surface of the pumpkin, use linoleum cutters. The sculptural style may be the trickiest yet most rewarding, as it involves using clay and ribbon loops to carefully remove layer after layer to achieve a sort of 3D effect of an image emerging from the pumpkin. Tip: Once you’ve scooped out all the “guts,” save the pumpkin seeds — they’re a great snack when roasted and seasoned.
Make it last… but don’t hold your breath. These creepy creations won’t last all season. Pumpkins are 90% water, so treat them like other cut produce. If refrigerated in plastic wrap when it’s not on display, a carved pumpkin can last up to a week or longer, Soria says, especially since it’ll be out of the elements and away from hungry squirrels. But since Halloween is all about the eerie, he adds, “One mad scientist thing you could do is to essentially pickle it — submerge the carved pumpkin in a container of white vinegar.” Either way, make sure you get photos of your masterpiece while it’s still fresh!
Don’t dump — compost! When you’re finally ready to say goodbye to your pumpkin, Soria recommends composting whenever possible.
