NWC News Desk

Nov. 17 Empty Bowls to fill empty stomachs

Posted November 2, 2009
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POWELL, Wyo. - An empty bowl can mean a full stomach. That's what NWC Ceramics Instructor Elaine DeBuhr and her students are banking on Tuesday, Nov. 17, when they bring back their Empty Bowl fundraiser for the Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes food bank.

DeBuhr and her students will serve a simple meal of soup and bread for $10 and ask guests to keep their empty bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world. The ceramic bowls are all hand thrown by NWC students.

The first come-first served meal will be dished up from 5:30-7 p.m. at The Commons at Pond Park. NWC ceramics students and Art Club members will serve a choice of two soups, including a vegetarian option, and fresh bread, all prepared by Aramark Food Services.

"We sold out so quickly last year," DeBuhr said, "that we're trying to make nearly double the number of bowls. We don't want to turn away anyone."

DeBuhr's students have been putting in a lot of hours outside of class time to reach their goal of 400 bowls, up from last year's 220, which were gobbled up in an hour. A wide variety of different sizes, shapes, textures, and glazes will be available for guests to choose from. The functional pieces of artwork were each collaboratively created and bear no individual signatures.

"It is my hope that people will appreciate all the bowls equally for their handmade qualities and for the project as a whole," DeBuhr said. "This project is a way for my students and the larger community to join hands in helping the hungry families right here at home."

Last year's Empty Bowls event raised over $2,600 for the Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes.