From Skeptic to Pumpkin Picasso?

We had an absolute blast at the Pumpkin Painting Party at The Exchange last night! And I have come away a changed man. I’ll admit, when we first set everything up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been part of a lot of art events, but pumpkin painting? That felt like stepping into uncharted territory. As we laid out the brushes, paints, and water cups, I caught myself thinking, “Is this really art or just seasonal chaos?” Turns out, it was a little of both… and it was glorious.

I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. As we were hauling out the supplies, I was a little pensive. I mean, I’ve never painted pumpkins before, and I never really considered it high art. (Yeah, I know, that sounds like something an art snob would say, but hear me out.)

Pumpkins just seemed like a novelty thing. You paint a goofy face, you laugh, it rots, end of story. But after last night, I have officially changed my mind. Some of the creations people came up with absolutely blew my mind. From pumpkin elephants with ears to surreal faces and big personality-filled expressions, these things were art. Real art.

And that’s when it hit me: a work of art on a pumpkin is temporary. You know it’s not going to last forever, and somehow, that gives you permission to just let go. No overthinking, no perfectionism, no “will this fit my portfolio?” nonsense. Just pure, unfiltered creative joy. People were experimenting, laughing, and diving right into that magical zone where you forget time exists.

That’s the beauty of art. Sometimes the most meaningful creations are the ones that aren’t meant to last. It’s about the moment, the laughter, and the community of weird, wonderful humans who show up to make something awesome together.

I even lost two brushes to someone’s creativity when they were convinced by another creative to use the brushes as tusks on their elephant pumpkin. It was so inventive that I couldn’t even be mad about it. In fact, I was so impressed that I forgave the brushes immediately. They had fulfilled their artistic destiny.

A little advice for other creatives out there:
Don’t wait for the “right” project or the “serious” opportunity to make something. Grab whatever’s in front of you, even if it’s a pumpkin, and create with reckless joy. Art doesn’t always have to hang in a gallery or last a lifetime to matter. Sometimes the act of creating is the masterpiece.

In fact, we had so much fun that we’re doing another painting party next week on October 29th at 5PM, and this time it’s open to the kiddos too. Which means it’s going to be beautifully chaotic, full of imagination, wild color choices, and probably more paint on faces than pumpkins. Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

Can’t wait to see what everyone creates next.