FAIRHOPE, Ala.- Monday, Oct. 9, members of the art and garden clubs joined in art teacher Lowell Baggett’s room to host a pumpkin painting competition to mark the beginning of fall. 

The garden and art clubs both provide a space where students can take part in hobbies they are passionate about. The annual pumpkin painting event allows members of two different clubs to collaborate, developing connections within Fairhope High School’s community. 

“It’s an annual event… it started a couple of years ago, Mrs. Reichley brought it to us several years ago,” said Sarah Bell, art teacher. 

During the pumpkin painting competition, participants brainstorm creative ideas alongside their peers and work diligently on their projects for 30-45 minutes. They decide a theme, head to the paint station to decide what colors to use, and get busy. 

While students converse about what to paint, sophomore art club member Jenna Brooks decided her theme would be a strawberry. Brooks focused and worked fast to make sure she finished her pumpkin in time. 

“I think it’s very cute and adorable, and I couldn’t find skin color in the paint section,” Brooks said.

Baggett walked around admiring pumpkins. He sponsors the art club and enjoys collaborating with the garden club annually. The collaboration of these two clubs allows students with different interests to explore new hobbies. 

“I think it’s great, I wish we would collaborate with more clubs and classes,” Baggett. 

For the remainder of the period, students conversed and put their final touches on their pumpkins. To finish up their pumpkins, students used hair dryers to dry their paintings. 

The students await the announcement of the competition winner, which will be revealed in the coming week.