It's been more than 40 years since Linus began his search for The Great Pumpkin. But you can carve a great pumpkin in about 40 minutes.

Heather White, director of education and outreach for Emerge Gallery and Art Center, offers the following tips for perfect pumpkins.

1. Pick your pumpkin: Try to choose one that is smoother, wide with a somewhat flat face so you and your child can easily draw on the design. A pumpkin with few ridges and thick skin is easier to carve!

2. Prepare your canvas: Carve an opening from the bottom, not the top. This way the lid will not fall in when the pumpkin shrivels. Scoop the goop out of your pumpkin. Use a melon baller or small spoon for little pumpkins and a large tablespoon for bigger pumpkins.

3. You are the artist: Draw a carving pattern or pumpkin face on a piece of paper and attach to the front of your pumpkin with tape. Poke holes through your paper pattern into the pumpkin along the lines you drew using a wooden skewer or a round toothpick. You will easily be able to follow these lines once you remove your template. Note: If you want to draw directly on your pumpkin remember to use grease pencil so you can rub off mistakes.

4. Time to carve: For the safest carving experience, purchase an inexpensive store-bought carving set. If this is not an option, use the smallest, thinnest knife you own. Follow the holes that you poked from your pattern. Carve the smallest details first; this will keep your pumpkin from breaking. Note: It is important that children are always supervised by an adult while using carving tools. This is a family fun activity that everyone will enjoy!

5. Light it up: You can always use a candle, but battery operated candles provide a safer alternative and do not generate heat that makes the pumpkin shrivel. Since you carved the hole from the bottom, place your candle on the ground and then place your pumpkin over it.

6. A great secret tip: Rub the inside of your pumpkin with a thin coat of petroleum jelly. This will preserve your pumpkin, prevent shriveling and keep bugs away.

WORKSHOPS

Emerge Gallery, 404 S. Evans St., will have pumpkin painting and carving workshops Saturday for children and youth:

It's the Great Pumkin, Emerge! for ages 3 and older, will be from 10 a.m. -noon. Spooky to the Max Pumpkin Carving, for ages 10 and older, will be from 1-2. Younger children can attend if accompanied by and adult. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for others. Call 551-6947 for details or to signup.