Neighbors helping neighbors fight hunger - that is the basic premise of the Empty Bowls Project. Traverse City residents got their hands dirty Saturday, in an effort to help promote that idea.
The Northern Michigan Potters and Sculptors Guild invited community members to drop by the Traverse City Art Center, roll up their sleeves and draw on their artistic talents to turn a lump of clay into a one-of-a-kind bowl. "We got bowls at last year's event and they are some of our favorite bowls. We use them every day,” said Eric Gerstner of Traverse City, who came to make his own creation with his 11-year-old son Jacob.
The more than 50 bowls made Saturday, after being glazed and fired by guild volunteers, will be sold next month during the Empty Bowls Project. Additional bowls are donated by local artisans and art students from several area schools.
The fifth annual Empty Bowls event, to be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 22 in the Park Place Dome, will offer locally made soup and bread to sample before patrons can choose a handcrafted bowl to take home.
Funds raised by the project will benefit Fresh Food Partnership, which purchases produce from local farmers at market price and distributes it to area food pantries, shelters and community meals programs.
"Everyone has a little bit to give. It all comes together for the community,” said Pamela Dueweke, president of the Northern Michigan Potters and Sculptors Guild.
Sharon Lund of Traverse City, has made the effort to relieve hunger a personal one. The art major and world traveler fashioned a bowl with three birds perched on the edge - representing a father, mother and child.
"I've traveled in third world countries where all they have is one bowl each, and that is if they are wealthy,” said Lund who has visited China, Tibet and Peru in recent years.
"I feel really passionate to do whatever I can to help eliminate hunger,” said Lund, who is currently participating in a 19 day sunset to sundown religious fast, in part to comprehend what it is like to really be hungry.