Empty Bowls, an international hunger-relief movement, began in the ’90s with a high school arts teacher in Michigan: John Hartom. The idea has since been picked up internationally, in towns including Oxford.
Each year, the movement spends a portion of its proceedings on an annual “bowl-a-thon” event, where local ceramicists spend hours throwing and glazing pottery for an annual luncheon.
Lana Traum, senior studio art major and ceramics club president, and Rob Abowitz, the associate director for Residence Life, organized the bowl-a-thon which took place Oct. 5 in Hiestand Hall, one of Miami University’s art buildings.
The group estimated to contribute approximately 300 bowls for the organization’s culminating event, the same number they produced last year. Additional bowls for the event are donated by Butler County community members, amounting to an estimated total of 900 bowls.
Oxford Empty Bowls’ culminating event will take place on Nov. 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission costs $15 a person and is hosted at the Oxford Community Arts Center. Guests receive a hand-made bowl, soup, bread, a beverage and dessert with their purchase – and have the option to donate or participate in a silent auction. Children 10 and under eat for free, bowls not included.
Last year, organizers were able to distribute $16,282 to local beneficiaries in 2023, such as Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS).
“Empty Bowls is a great program, and it’s the perfect time of the year,” Executive Director Sherry Martin said. “It really helps us out with our holiday initiatives. I don’t know how to convey how impactful that it is to have an event like that right before the holidays,” executive director Sherry Martin said.
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