On Oct. 26, the Washburn Art Club hosted an event in the Art Building in room 118, with pumpkin carving and a costume contest for Halloween. This annual tradition is especially popular among international students, who enjoy the unique American experience.
The club provided all the necessary supplies, such as paint, cutters, scoopers and more. They also provided pumpkins for $5 each. This year, they launched gift card rewards for the top three handmade Halloween costumes.
Conner Sowles, president of the club, organized the event for the second time after a successful first run.
“This is an event I did last year for the first time, and it was really popular,” Sowles said. I think it’s a nice stress relief event after midterms and [you] kind of get to connect with your childhood memories,”
Last year, the pumpkins ran out within 30 minutes, and due to limited pumpkins, where groups of ten people were formed. More pumpkins were brought in this year to meet the demand.
Attendance expectations were high, with around 30 people anticipated based on last year’s popularity. This year also featured a costume contest with a $50 gift card for the first place winner and $25 gift cards for the second and third place winners.
Kamryn Dollahon, senior art major, is a returning participant who enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
“It’s kind of a fun thing to do with other students. It’s not too formal, and it’s not too artsy, so even non-art majors can participate and not feel left out,” Dollahon said.
Enjoying the Halloween spirit, students joined in throughout the event, decorating pumpkins with creativity. Molly Deschamp, a freshman exploratory major, who attended the event, shared her experience.
“I haven’t really done many home like activities this year, so this is really, like the first time that I’ve done an event on campus. It’s good for students who don’t have like a lot of resources to just be able to do something Halloween-related,” Deschamp said.
The event wrapped up with Conner taking the stage to announce the winners of the highly anticipated costume contest. Dollahon secured first place in the costume competition, followed by two other students. All winners were invited to visit the art office on Monday to collect their gift cards as a reward for their achievements.
This annual event not only provided a fun break from academic pressures but also fostered a sense of community among participants. With positive feedback and high turnout, the club looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come.
Edited by Stuti Khadka and Alijah McCracken
