“Empty” Bowls Feed the Hungry

In recent weeks, Blair ceramics students, under the direction of art teacher Kate Sykes, have been involved with the Empty Bowls program – a nationwide initiative with grassroots participation – producing 50 bowls in the School’s ceramics studio. These bowls were made as part of a local fundraiser sponsored by NORWESCAP (Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program), a not-for-profit community action program. NORWESCAP provides cost-effective, coordinated services to low- income people in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Passaic and Warren Counties in New Jersey.

In conjunction with NORWESCAP’s recognition of National Hunger Awareness Day, art students crafted these bowls, which were sold to the public for a benefit luncheon on June 5; proceeds benefited NORWESCAP’s Food Pantry.

Other local high school art students and potters around the county also participated in the Empty Bowls program, with area restaurants and food suppliers providing soup and bread for the luncheon.

The local daily newspaper, the New Jersey Herald, ran a feature on May 22 about Kate and her students’ efforts.

Where Art Meets Reality

By Elisa D. Keller, New Jersey Herald

BLAIRSTOWN — Dedicated students at Blair Academy are striving to feed the hungry through art. Led by art teacher Kate Sykes, more than 30 students and teachers have spent the last two months making pottery in the hopes of raising money for soup kitchens, food pantries and charities throughout the region.

Along with Phillipsburg and Belvidere high schools, the private school will be donating more than 50 handmade ceramic bowls to the NORWESCAP Food Bank for its first annual Empty Bowls Luncheon in June.

Developed in 1990 by an art teacher from Michigan, Empty Bowl fund-raising events use donated pottery to serve a meal of soup and bread, after which guests keeps their bowls as a reminder of all the hungry people around the world.

“It’s not a hard thing to do and the materials aren’t costly,” explained Sykes, who incorporated the project into two of her ceramics classes despite hearing about the project with only two months left in the school year.

Each of her 16 students were required to make at least two bowls, though many made more. Other Blair students also pitched in despite not being enrolled in her classes. “Since (most) of our students are fortunate, it’s nice for them to give back,” Sykes added.

Thanks to the schools’ enthusiastic efforts, along with donations from local crafts people and the Pottery Zone in Washington, NORWESCAP has collected more than 100 handmade pieces for the event. “We’re still reaching out for bowls,” said Janet Bray, development coordinator for the program. “We’re hoping to get 200.”

Donated bowls must measure six to nine inches in diameter and be made of food-safe materials. Soup is being donated by local restaurants, including Almond Tree Manor, Applebee’s and Milford Oyster House, while bread is provided courtesy of Panera Bread. Volunteer employees from ShopRite in Greenwich will be on hand to serve salad and eight different soups, including two cold options.

Scheduled during Hunger Awareness Day, the event will take place on June 5. “We’re just doing something to raise awareness and help the needy people in our community,” Bray added.

“We’re hoping to raise approximately $3,000. All proceeds will benefit NORWESCAP food bank.”

Located in Phillipsburg, NORWESCAP distributes nearly two million pounds of food per year to 120 feeding organizations throughout Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties.

Updated 6/06/07

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