Pumpkin Artist Amazes

Sculpting pumpkins is a busy job this time of year; but for C.J. Sanders, it is also a spontaneous art form.

Attendees of Saturday were in awe of Sanders' techniques and speed. They could order a customized pumpkin at the event to take home and enjoy.

Sanders learned he had a knack for carving pumpkins in creative ways during his college days 32 years ago when he won first place in a carving contest. "Back then, I wanted and needed the money, so I set out to win," he said.

He sculpted King Tut at the time and secured the $25 grand prize. Since then, he has carved thousands of the orange cultivars. In fact, last year alone the Kirkwood resident said he sculptured 2,300-plus pumpkins.

Sanders' artistic background was shaped by studying art in St. Louis, at the Kansas City Art Institute and in Pietrasanta in Italy. In the 1980s, he created an entire art show of sculpted pumpkins. When not carving pumpkins, he runs C.J.'s Produce, which is a market and garden center.

Displaying his talents at company events and children's parties, he said he often does people's names in pumpkins because they are such a unique party favor. He uses a linoleum cutter as his tool.

Those interested in seeing Sanders carve live can catch him Friday at Bowood Farms, located at 4605 Olive St., and on Saturday at the Saint Louis Art Museum. This month he has carved at other locations such as Eckert's Orchards, The Magic House, Park Avenue Cafe and The Shanti in Soulard. Alternatively, people can email Sanders the names or drawing to be sculpted and the size of pumpkin desired. He will respond to confirm the cost, the time needed to complete the project and delivery arrangements.

Typical sculptured pumpkins cost $8 to $65, depending on size and weight. Life expectancy depends on the type pumpkin, size, amount of surface carved and if it is cut open to light. He said he has had small pumpkins with names sculpted that lasted until March of the next year, but the average life expectancy is one month.

Sanders said some of his favorite pumpkins he's done include tombstones used temporarily in actual cemeteries and one for a Harley Davidson rider who was nicknamed "Pumpkin Head."

Examples of his other work include:

• a pair of logoed pumpkins for a large beer company that flew in their own private seats to a company party in California
• a helmet worn by a fan at the St. Louis Rams first Monday night football game
• politico pumpkins for a presidential rally at Union Station in St. Louis
• a nativity scene
• marriage proposals as well as divorce announcements
• anniversary pumpkins
• other holidays

As of next week, he will focus on Thanksgiving themes. For ideas, view his website by clicking here.

He is seeking sponsors to support him going to hospitals and retirement communities to carve names for children, or those he refers to as "kids at heart."