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Empty Bowls Bowl-a-Rama: Clay for a cause

September 21, 2015

Is using a potter's wheel on your bucket list? Does turning a hunk of clay into something utilitarian sound appealing? Now is your opportunity to learn this new skill, or hone it, while contributing to a great cause. Alisa (Al) Holen, assistant professor of ceramics, and her ceramic students are asking faculty and staff to participate in the Empty Bowls Bowl-a-Rama. Anytime between noon and 6 p.m., Friday, September 25, faculty and staff, age 18 and over, are invited to the Dowhie Ceramics Center to make bowls.

Empty Bowls is a national non-profit which lends its name to organizations who raise money to feed the hungry by making and selling ceramic bowls. Last year, Holen, students and volunteers made 1,000 bowls and raised $10,400, splitting proceeds equally between United Caring Services and Aurora.

1398126 10152838420037037 3872546110044613017 OHolen will work with 15 groups of University and community volunteers to make the bowls to sell at the Empty Bowls event on November 7 at Kirby's. This year, a selection of bowls made by professional artists will be offered at a higher premium.

"A lot of people in other academic areas don't get to this side of campus very often," said Holen. "It's nice to invite people over to our side of campus and learn a skill. It builds community and enthusiasm for the program."

This year Holen has paired with Audrey Hillyer, interim director of composition and instructor in English, and her English 319: Fundamentals of Grant Writing classes. Hillyer's classes have been researching local non-profits and will create presentations representing the various non-profits, which Holen's students will select as the recipient(s) of this year's funds. Additionally, Hillyer's students are researching corporations or foundations for additional funding or a matching grant. The students will then write grant proposals on behalf of Empty Bowls.

1405038 10152838421762037 895163321208217882 O"It's a wonderful event that brings together so many people in our community, and most importantly, it has a huge impact on the non-profit recipient helping to feed the hungry," said Hillyer. "Projects and collaborations like these can really impact students and their investment in the community, and benefiting others through work that is fun and rewarding."

Participation is free and no experience is needed for volunteers to make bowls. Holen and her ceramics students will be available to help out novice potters. Jewelry worn on the hands or wrists must be removed; long hair should be pulled back and closed-toe shoes are a must. Participants will get dirty. Holen also is seeking additional volunteers who have experience to lend a hand with trimming and glazing.

For more information contact Al Holen at aiholen@usi.edu or 812-228-5127.

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