October 29, 2026
SIU University Honors, Craft Shop host pumpkin carving for Dome Glow
Here’s your opportunity to show your Halloween creativity! Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s University Honors Program and the SIU Craft Shop host a free pumpkin carving session Friday, Oct. 30.
The finished projects will be part of the fourth annual Jon Davey Memorial Dome Glow on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The family-friendly Dome Glow is from 6-9 p.m. at the Buckminster Fuller Dome Home, located near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Cherry Street in Carbondale. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
A community event
The pumpkin carving is open to the public, including SIU students, registered student organizations, faculty, staff and alumni, said Elizabeth Donoghue, honors program assistant director. The event is in honor of the late Jon Davey, a longtime professor in the SIU School of Architecture. Davey’s creative pumpkin-carving tradition inspired the event.
Pumpkin-carving time
Pumpkin-carving sessions will be in the Craft Shop, located in the Student Center’s lower level, from 2-5 p.m. on Friday.
Pumpkins will be available in the honors office for pickup throughout the week, and they will also at the Craft Shop on Friday. People may also drop off carved pumpkins in the honors office, which is in Morris Library, Room 180, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Entries may be made individually or as a team to compete in one of three categories:
- Pumpkins of Place — inspired by architectural, cultural landmarks or places that matter to you.
- Memory pumpkins — carved in memory of a loved one or meaningful design or story.
- Creative category — where imaginations can run wild original designs that surprise, inspire and shine.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Donoghue at elizabeth.donoghue@siu.edu.