Pumpkinpalooza 2022 is back at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown.
The autumn celebration Friday at 4 p.m. will feature art activities, pumpkin carving and science experiments.
“This is really an opportunity to get to see a little bit of everything that Perkins does,” said its Director of Education Allison Hunt. “ … It was just a small event that Perkins was putting on for younger children. They were invited to come and make some crafts and have some punch and cookies, come in costume …
“It has just gotten bigger and evolved from there.”
Hay bales and pumpkins will be donated by Browning Hess Farm. Guests will hear live music by Afrovibes Dance & Movement and the Cavanaugh-Kaczorowski Duo. Spooky storytelling with Valerie Vaughn and Barry Moore and glow-in-the-dark pumpkin eruptions with Ms. Olivia will be featured.
“ … Our exhibitions department is hosting a gallery scavenger hunt, so kids will have the opportunity to look for hidden things in the artwork and throughout the galleries in the show that’s up right now,” Hunt noted.
“ … They will be able to go through the galleries inside and find all the hidden pieces, and then there’s a prize bin at the end.”
There will also be a pottery sale and still life session and introductions to other Perkins’ programs.
“ … Between our different departments, we have exhibitions that are here,” Hunt pointed out. “We have classes that are on site, we have teaching artists that go into schools and work with kids and arts residencies creating murals and three-dimensional art.”
“ … We hope people will indulge in everything that we have to offer.”
One of Hunt’s favorite aspects of the event is seeing families enjoying themselves.
“ … I get to see people come back out,” she explained. “I see them when they come to the center for other events, I see kids for summer camp … It’s really an opportunity where they get to come to us … To see everybody – adults and kids – interacting together and having a great time is definitely my favorite part.”
“ … The autumn time and fall festivals are a really fun, social time to get together and see one another,” Hunt added. “I would love people to experience all of the parts of Perkins …
“I think it really is a gem in the community.”
For more information on Pumpkinpalooza, visit https://perkinsarts.org.
