By LISA PERKINS
TRAVERSE CITY -- Many hands molded, pulled and smoothed lumps of clay into simple bowls with an intent to provide sustenance to local families in need.
The ArtCenter Traverse City hosted a free bowl making workshop Sunday where the public was invited to create handmade ceramic bowls to be used at the Empty Bowls Project fundraising event on April 19.
"Empty bowls are a reminder of all of the empty bowls in the world," said Casey Ressl, coordinator of the Fresh Food Partnership that will receive proceeds from the annual fundraiser.
The bowls made on Sunday, along with donations from local students and artists, will be given to those who attend the Empty Bowl Project's meal of soup and bread made by area restaurants.
"It is a really good reminder for people to be reminded about the hunger in the region and around the world," said Ressl, whose group purchases locally grown produce to donate fresh food to area food pantries.
The Fresh Food Project purchased more than 60,000* pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables from area farmers just last year.
Chris Byrne, who attended the bowl making workshop for the first time, likes the idea of area food pantries receiving fresh produce.
"We are really trying to change the way our family eats, using less processed foods. When we make donations to food pantries, it seems it is usually boxed and processed foods," said Byrne, of Traverse City.
"Everyone needs fresh and organic foods," she said.
Jennifer Hutchinson, president of the ArtCenter board, was glad to see the workshop participants so eager to participate and enjoying the artistic process.
"This is an extraordinary example of the community coming forward to volunteer and give back. Just look at the smiles on their faces," Hutchinson said.
Empty Bowls will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door or at Oryana Natural Foods Market or ArtCenter Traverse City.
For more information on the national Empty Bowls Program, visit www.emptybowls.org. For more information on the Fresh Food Partnership, visit www.freshfoodpartnership.org.
Because of incorrect information provided to the Record-Eagle, the original version of this article attributed the wrong amount of locally purchased fruits and vegetables to The Fresh Food Partnership. The Partnership purchased more than 60,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables from area farmers last year.
