The Story of the Painted Pumpkin at Temple Hillel B\'nai Torah

Temple Hillel B'nai Torah's Simchat Torah Squash Auctions and Why is this Pumpkin Different from all other Pumpkins

The Story of the Painted Pumpkin

There I was, waiting for my friend to finish modeling for an art class – understanding first hand why she says “sure it’s boring, but it’s still life” –when, suddenly, I was peppered with paint! This assalt left me covered up to my stem in wet colors, and someone was going to pay.* Well, I was just about to call my attorney – Sue – when I caught sight of myself in a mirror. I was gourdgeous!

Right then and there, I decided to keep my new exterior – a pleated skirt with peaceful landscape design, and matching top depicting a serene blue sky (partly cloudy) – and leave my orange rind behind. The Oriental and Western techniques used in making my airbrushed outfit are sure to inspire mountains of compliments.

Best of all, exhibiting my artistic attire raises me to the status of Ornamental Pumpkin (though I prefer to think of myself as performance art). That ensures me that I will be viewed and adored during my Fall and Winter life span, but NOT EATEN (or violated for any number of other seedy purposes).

Well, that’s my story – and I’m stickin’ to it. ☺

Oh, there was one downside to all of this. I guess I was a tad over exuberant about my magnificent makeover, and I may have squashed some egos back home (or I did something to get in trouble). So, until I can root out the problem and patch things up there, I’m in the market for a cozy, hamish indoor haven.

That brings me to the HBT auction. Here’s your chance to support a wonderful shul by raising Ornamental Pumpkin bread, and at the same time support the arts by housing a pumpkin in “dis dress.” Make me your parting gift when you bid good. Night!

*The ~~culprit~~ artist was identified as Anne Steinman, who had only this to say:

“This was my first air brush project– perhaps a lot of Mazel went into it!”

--Reported by Susan D. Tatelman - 2007

The Following Year - 2008

An overwhelming large audience did turnip to model for the still-life audition. Many waited a very long vine to be seen. The competition was fierce and many competitors' hopes were squashed. Finally Anne painted an original watercolor painting of a gourdgeous "Gourd" to donate to Temple Hillel B'nai Torah's Squash Auction.

2009

No auditions were held, but the show must go on! So two of Anne's t-shirts posed as stand-ins, and were happily donated to Temple Hillel B'nai Torah's Simchat Torah Squash Auction.

2010