Empty Bowls "Bowl-O-Rama:" Create art to prevent hunger

It's that time of the year; the time to get clay between your fingers and make bowls to prevent hunger. Alisa (AL) Holen, associate professor of ceramics, and her ceramic students are asking faculty and staff to participate in the Empty Bowls "Bowl-O-Rama." Faculty and staff, age 18 and over, are invited to the Dowhie Ceramics Center to make bowls anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, September 8.

The bowls will be used by Empty Bowls Evansville to raise funds to assist with food relief for Evansville's undernourished population. 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 the group raised $13,000, splitting the proceeds between United Caring Shelters, Echo Housing, Aurora Inc. and House of Bread and Peace.

The bowls made during Bowl-O-Rama will be sold for $10, including soup, at the upcoming Empty Bowls held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 11 at Sauced restaurant, located at 1113 Parrett Street in Evansville. The event is open to the public. A selection of bowls made by professional artists also will be offered at a higher premium.

There are 20 pottery wheels available on a first come, first served basis, but additional stations for hand molding clay will be set up in case of a rush. Participation is free and no experience is needed for volunteers to make bowls. Holen and her ceramics students will be available to help out beginners. 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. Come for an hour or stay all day and make as many bowls as you want. The Dowhie Ceramics Center is located on the south side of campus behind the Business and Engineering Center and the Arts Center.

For more information contact AL Holen at aiholen@usi.edu or 812-464-1917.