By Beth Caruthers
Created by Marshall University ceramics students, Huntington Museum of Art contributions and local potters, more than 1,200 handcrafted bowls will be for sale on Friday, April 15, during Huntington’s 13th annual Empty Bowls event.
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the public can peruse bowls in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church on 5th Avenue. Each Empty Bowl costs $15, includes a modest lunch and pays forward a 90-meal buying power to Facing Hunger Foodbank.
“We are so grateful for the commitment of those involved with Empty Bowls,” says Bethany Freeman, director of development and communications for Facing Hunger Foodbank. “The impact of all the hands that have worked on this event throughout the years is tremendous.”
To date, the local movement has provided more than 1 million meals to feed men, women and children in the food bank’s 17-county service area across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. The event raised $17,700 last year alone.
“The effects may never be seen by those who have volunteered or purchased bowls, but the positive impact on the lives they are touching is life-changing,” says Freeman.
But Frederick Bartolovic, associate professor of ceramics at Marshall University, is sure his introduction and intermediate potter’s wheel class students see the effects. That’s because both classes are designated as two of Marshall’s Serving Learning courses, a program that connects learning objectives to public service and civic engagement.
“Students in the throwing on the wheel class dedicate an admirable amount of time and energy to designing, throwing, decorating, glazing and firing the bowls for this event,” says Bartolovic. “Beyond the mere creation of these one-of-a-kind functional works of art though, the students also volunteer several hours at the food bank, so they understand the power and impact that each bowl sold at the event has.”
Students in each course are expected to get out from behind the wheel and volunteer with the food bank, which the spring classes did last month.
“Collectively they packed 48 boxes of soup and canned goods totaling 2,050 pounds, or one ton of food,” says Cynthia Kirkhart, executive director of Facing Hunger Food Bank. “In total with their volunteerism, they will provide more than 12,960 meals to those in need in support of this year’s event. We appreciate their commitment and donation of their time and talent.”
Huntington’s Empty Bowls is made possible by Marshall University’s College of Arts and Media, the Keramos Potter’s Guild, the Huntington Museum of Art, First Presbyterian Church, Christian Associates, B’nai Sholom Congregation, Coca-Cola Inc. and the donations received from many local restaurants, bakeries, churches, organizations and individuals.
Parking for Empty Bowls is available at the rear of the First Presbyterian Church. An elevator makes the event accessible. Tax-deductible donations are accepted by cash or check to Christian Associates. For more information, visit www.marshall.edu/emptybowls or www.facebook.com/huntingtonemptybowls.
About the Author
Beth Caruthers, a university communications specialist for Marshall University, is responsible for the communications initiatives within several of the university’s colleges and entities. A native of Fayette County, WV, she holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Marshall and was recently named the J. Merle Core Volunteer of the Year by United Way of the River Cities. Caruthers lives in Huntington with her college sweetheart, Josh, and their two energetic preschoolers.
