The East Lansing High School library is hosting its annual pumpkin art contest starting on Oct. 23 with voting held on the 30th.

This contest is a chance to showcase the creativity of the students at ELHS and explore different ways to practice art. Students can carve, paint or decorate their pumpkin in any way they choose, as long as designs don’t include profane or offensive themes.

Students can pick up free pumpkins from the library on Oct. 23-24, and participants will have until Oct. 29 to finish their pumpkins. Students who want a larger pumpkin can purchase one on their own. To be considered for the competition, you need to register in the library on the 23rd or 24th.

Marwa Djomheri (12), was the winner of last year’s contest. Djomheri incorporated paper mâché into her pumpkin to design an alien-like gourd. She is looking forward to participating again this year.

“I like how it gives you a chance to be creative,” Djomheri said. “It’s not constricting.” Djomheri likes to explore with different ideas to create her pumpkin and really just making it unique in her own way.

She thinks it’s a good opportunity for people to get their creativity out in a relaxing way. She recommends it to anyone looking for a fun way to express themselves in a low-stakes contest.

When you turn in your pumpkin on the 29th it will be displayed on top of bookshelves for viewing and voting.

Allie Stephens, a librarian at ELHS, explains how the voting works.

“In the library, there will be a QR code set up, and I will also have paper ballots,” Stephens said.

Voters, students and teachers are encouraged to view all entries to make thoughtful decisions based on their favorite pumpkins. The 1st-3rd places will receive a prize as well as the pumpkin voted “most creative.”