CCS and Clay Arts to fill 'Empty Bowls'

Intermountain Catholic

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Handmade bowls such as these made by students at Judge Memorial Catholic High School will be available for purchase during the Empty Bowls event. IC file photo

SALT LAKE CITY — Catholic Community Services of Utah and Clay Arts will team up May 5 for the Empty Bowls project to raise funds to help feed hungry families at Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall in Salt Lake City. They invite the public to come to the dining hall and purchase empty bowls made by local artists and enjoy a lunch of soup and bread.

"This year the event will also include live music, children’s activities such as face painting and crafts including clay projects; there will be fun for the whole family," said Lauren McCarty, CCS public relations and marketing coordinator. "This will be an opportunity to purchase great pottery and contribute to charity at the same time. We turn the dining hall into a store for the day so people can come through and shop. This gives people an opportunity to see the location where their funds are going, if they purchase pottery."

The artists enjoy having people look at their work and purchase the bowls they make, said Bill James, Clay Arts director.

"We love to practice our craft for a good cause and it’s fun to see our bowls go out the door knowing we have done something good," he said. "It’s also fun to look at the artwork others have done. There is inspiration in seeing other’s artwork, the number of bowls that come in and most of us who make bowls buy bowls that someone else made."

The potters and teachers had a bowl-a-thon at Red Kiln in March. "We made a lot of bowls that way and make it fun," said James. "It allows us to experiment and compare notes with each other. It’s also nice knowing these bowls are going to help feed someone."

The Empty Bowls and lunch will be available from noon to 4 p.m. at Catholic Community Services Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, 437 West 200 South, Salt Lake City. Bowls may be purchased for $15 each. Parking will be available on the street.