This Weekend: The Great Pumpkin Carving!
Posted in Programs and Events on October 19 2012, by Matt Newman
It’s an early weekend update today! This Saturday and Sunday, the NYBG plays host to an event that never fails to have us bouncing off the walls with anticipation: the Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend. But before we set up New York’s most original Halloween horrors here at the Garden, Ray Villafane and his crew of sculptors are taking their talents–and one or two giant pumpkins–to midtown. Naturally, we’re not about to let them gallivant through Manhattan without us, so a few of us from the Plant Talk offices are picking up and shipping off to join in on the fun.
If you happen to be in midtown through this afternoon, you’re welcome to stop by! We’ll be setting up shop at Grand Central Terminal this morning outside the west entrance, just off Vanderbilt Avenue. You can watch as Ray’s team carves up a display pumpkin of gargantuan proportions, while Ray himself works on the centerpiece of our Halloween spread–the pumpkin patch zombie. Each sculpture will then shuffle its way to the Garden proper to become part of the main event this weekend.
While the carvers are making short work of some of the heaviest pumpkins grown in the United States this year, we’ll also be bidding adieu to an exhibition that’s brought untold beauty to the NYBG over the past few months. Through spring, summer, and now into fall, Monet’s Garden has delighted thousands upon thousands of visitors with not only the artwork of Claude Monet, but the botanical designs that inspired so much of it. Sunday, October 21 will be your last day to walk through the Giverny of NYC.
But there is, as always, plenty to do beyond our exhibitions and holiday events. Head below for the gist of it.
Saturday, October 20
Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend — All day
At the Clay Picnic Pavilions
Giant pumpkins from around the world once again arrive at the Garden. Watch master carver Ray Villafane transform these pumpkins into zombies and other unearthly creatures. Carvers Alfred Paredes and Andy Bergholtz will also be on hand to create amazing sculpted 3-D and glowing works of art. Q&A sessions throughout the day will give you a chance to ask Ray and his team any questions you may have regarding his sculpting obsession. Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will also be on hand to talk about their passion for growing these gargantuan gourds. Festivities take place in the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions just outside of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Included with All Garden Pass.
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with expert Debbie Becker, who has been creating new birdwatching fanatics at the NYBG for over 25 years.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Fancy Foliage – 2 p.m.
In the Home Gardening Center
Late-season light is so moody and mystical that it provides a wonderful spotlight for the glowing autumn colors of reds, orange, yellows, purples, and blues. Join Gardener for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she teaches you how to brighten up your late-season garden with colorful foliage and beautiful berries.
Monet to Mallarmé Salon Series — 4 p.m.
In the Perennial Garden
Hear American poets Mary Ann Caws, Richard Howard, Timothy Donnelly, and Ken Chen reading their favorite French poets including Stephane Mallarmé, Arthur Rimbaud, and Paul Verlaine and discussing the poet’s influence on their own work in this series, a part of Monet’s Garden. Co-presented by the Poetry Society of America. These programs are made possible by a gift from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, Inc.
Spooky Nighttime Adventures — 6:30 to 8 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Grab a Con Edison flashlight and explore the sculptures along the Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail in the Adventure Garden after dark. Listen for critters of the night, dig around for decomposers, and decorate gourds too. Special Ticket Required. Check out nybg.org/priceless for access to extra special tricks and treats.
Sunday, October 21
Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend—All day
At the Clay Picnic Pavilions
Giant pumpkins from around the world once again arrive at the Garden. Watch master carver Ray Villafane transform these pumpkins into zombies and other unearthly creatures. Carvers Alfred Paredes and Andy Bergholtz will also be on hand to create amazing sculpted 3-D and glowing works of art. Q&A sessions throughout the day will give you a chance to ask Ray and his team any questions you may have regarding his sculpting obsession. Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will also be on hand to talk about their passion for growing these gargantuan gourds. Festivities take place in the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions just outside of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Included with All-Garden Pass.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Fancy Foliage – 2 p.m.
In the Home Gardening Center
Late-season light is so moody and mystical that it provides a wonderful spotlight for the glowing autumn colors of reds, orange, yellows, purples, and blues. Join Gardener for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she teaches you how to brighten up your late-season garden with colorful foliage and beautiful berries.
Monet’s Friends Chamber Music Concert featuring the Hartford Symphony Orchestra – 4 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Musical performances by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra feature the classical composers of Monet’s time. Special Ticket Required.
Featured artist: Leonid Sigal (artistic director & violin), accompanied by piano and cello
Claude Debussy (arr. Carembat): Suite Bergamasque
Joseph-Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Cello
Gabriel Fauré: Piano Trio in D-minor, op. 120
Spooky Nighttime Adventures — 6:30 to 8 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Grab a Con Edison flashlight and explore the sculptures along the Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail in the Adventure Garden after dark. Listen for critters of the night, dig around for decomposers, and decorate gourds, too. Special Ticket Required. Check out nybg.org/priceless for access to extra special tricks and treats.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, through October 31
Daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Experience the thrills and chills of the season with a garden full of intricately carved pumpkin sculptures, bugs, bats, parties, and parades. On October 20–21, watch master carver Ray Villafane of Food Network fame transform humongous pumpkins into zombies and other unearthly creatures. It’s so much fun, it’s scary!
