Bowls created by Marshall art students and other community volunteers will be sold for $20 each, with proceeds going to the Huntington Area Foodbank. Each bowl sold can help the foodbank provide 180 meals to those in need.
The longstanding event is part of a class in which Marshall art students learn about art and community involvement. Along with making bowls to sell, students visit the food bank and gain insights about its services.
“I think the Empty Bowls project is not only a great thing for the community, but also for the emerging artists who get to experience first-hand how art can impact the community, not just emotionally, but physically as well,” said Marshall student Addyson Aftanas, who is participating for her second year.
“Empty Bowls merges art with community activism in a truly positive way,” said Frederick Bartolovic, professor of art and ceramics coordinator for Marshall’s School of Art & Design. “It teaches students how to sell their work and illustrates the impact art can have on the community. For the community, it offers a chance to support student artists while also assisting those in need. Empty Bowls demonstrates that art can catalyze positive community changes.”
The Facing Hunger Foodbank provides nutritious foods — boxed, fresh, canned, frozen and prepared — to about 130,000 individuals each year from 17 counties in the Huntington and Tri-State region. Food comes from restaurants, grocery stores, food distributors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and farmers, and through food and fund drives and more.
“We are so inspired by the creativity and the compassion of these Marshall University School of Art & Design students and are honored to partner with them for the 22nd Annual Empty Bowls event,” said Bettina Hazlett, donor relations officer for the food bank. “By turning art into action, this beloved event is an opportunity for our community to come together and support not only the artists, but also Facing Hunger Foodbank, so that we can continue to provide access to nutritious food for those at the center of our work.”
All community members are welcome to attend. For more information about Marshall’s School of Art & Design, visit www.marshall.edu/art.