Over more than a decade, UA ceramics students have donated hundreds of handcrafted ceramic bowls to an annual fundraiser that raises money and awareness to fight hunger in West Alabama. Grace Presbyterian Church’s Empty Bowls event on Friday, March 6 will raise money for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. This year, Assistant Professor Wade MacDonald said that his students have been asked to make 200 bowls for the event, double the number of previous years. Along with UA students, the Red Dog Potters of Kentuck will participate this year. Soup will be donated from local restaurants. For a small donation, participants will receive lunch: bread and soup in a handmade bowl that is theirs to keep. The event lasts from 11 am to 2 pm.
Ceramics graduate student Kelsey Meadows said that community participation has rapidly increased since she’s been involved. Meadows said her participation has been very fulfilling. “Engaging the students with this charity benefits us and members of the community. It exposes the students to the ways that art can make an immediate impact to help those who need it most. I am moved by the efforts of every student producing bowls for such an incredible cause.”
Ceramics professor Wade MacDonald said that he has participated in several Empty Bowls events throughout his career. “I think it is an great way to use one’s artistic ability to benefit the community in a direct way. Students are excited to realize their work will impact the community in a positive way and that notion alone motivates students to work toward achieving our goal. This year we have a record number of students participating and we are working to make the most bowls in our recent history.”
A raffle featuring ceramic bowls by Fire Horse Pottery (run by UA art alumna Kerry Kennedy), Anne Franklin Lamar, Carol Lammon, and Doris Blum is a new addition this year.
For more information about the 12th Annual Empty Bowls event call (205) 758-1193 or visit www.gracetuscaloosa.org.
For more information about the degree programs offered by the UA department of art and art history, go to this page or call (205) 348-5967.