Empty Bowl Mission

&

Shared Vision

* Strengthen ties between the art community and the issue of hunger

* Engage the professional art community and recognize their contribution

* Increase awareness of Food Bank services

* Increase visibility of local art teachers and students

* Emphasize the social aspects of art

* Highlight service learning

* Engage new publics in the Food Bank mission

* Encourage inter-generational activity

* Promote beauty, love and community

* Raise funds for the Food Bank’s good work

The Empty Bowl Project is the brainchild of two art instructors at Bloomfield Hills searching for a way to raise funds for a food drive. What developed was a fund raising event that incorporated making ceramic bowls for a fund raising meal.

The Food Bank of South Central Michigan initiated its own version of this activity in 1992, linked to the Cereal Festival in Battle Creek. The Empty Bowl represents hunger, reminding us that there are many people who struggle to fill the bowl for themselves and their family.

The Empty Bowl Exhibit has been developed to consist of

3 separate Empty Bowl Collections which are:

-Student Bowls (about 1000) created by students in local school systems under the guidance of their art instructors. Student Bowls are contributed by students from: Battle Creek Public Schools, Lakeview High School, Harper Creek High School, Pennfield Schools, Athens Schools, Bellevue High School, Endeavor Academy, and St. Philip Catholic Schools.

-Dignitary Bowls (about 50) usually made in March by local leaders, under the supervision of Jan Cramer, art instructor Springfield Middle School & her art students.

-Signature Bowls (about 50-75) created by professional artists.