Several creative adults gathered at Northampton Community College Oct. 18 for a master pumpkin carving class in preparation for the Halloween season. The class was taught over two days to ensure plenty of time for participants to carve their very own 30-40 pound pumpkins.

The instructor, Dave Dion, was not just teaching how to carve your everyday Jack O’ Lantern. This carving project was much more complex, and often involved sculpting a full face with detailed noses, eyes, and mouths. Dion was happy to start a new Halloween art tradition in the Lehigh Valley. Referring to his new class, he said, “We started last night and will finish tonight. It’s the first of its kind and we are really excited about it.” Dave guided his class through advanced carving techniques and procedures.

The class took place in the school’s new Fab Lab, a specialized center for arts, crafts and photography which includes state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D printers, wood shop machinery, and laser cutters. This modern workplace was a perfect spot to host the pumpkin sculpting event. After being taught how to use the necessary tools, each adult got right to work on his or her masterpiece. At the end of the second class, they would walk away with a detailed image of their choosing, and a festive decoration for the upcoming holiday.