Empty Bowls Boerne fills needs of local charities

Artists and art students put wares up for sale

More than 300 “empty bowls” went out the doors of First United Methodist Church Saturday, part of an annual art-led fundraiser boosting area charities.

Local artists fashioned the bowls and donated their efforts for Empty Bowls Boerne. Vessels of clay, wood and glass occupied at least a dozen tables in the church’s gym/multi-purpose room, each with 15-20 creations ready to be bought.

Funds raised through the sale of the handmade bowls will support Hill Country Family Services Corner Cupboard and the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.

A group of 15 artists offered up their creations, as did students at the Mudworks Pottery studio, as part of a mission to “end hunger in Kendall County,” organizers said.

Empty Bowls attendees paid $25 per bowl and meandered around the tables, being their own judge and jury of the works for sale.

Jeanmarie Gergan, an employee at Free Roam Brewing, made the trip from her home in Kerrville to pick up a bowl at the church, 205 James St.

She said she took part in an empty bowl project when she was in college and still has that bowl.

“I saw this advertised, so I woke early to get a bowl, will head back to Kerrville and come back to work tonight,” she said.

Donna Walls, who purchased two bowls, said she loves pottery and came out Saturday to find pieces to add to her collection.

“I’ve just started collecting pottery, so I have some different pieces. They are all of a similar color scheme, but I like that they are different,” Walls said.

According to the Empty Bowls Boerne website at www.emptybowlsboerne. com/, Empty Bowls began in 1990-1991 when Lisa Blackburn and art teacher John Hartom joined a drive to raise charitable funds in a Michigan community.

The idea was to organize a charitable event to give artists and art students a way to make a personal difference.

When they launched the project, students made ceramic bowls in their high school art classes. The finished products were then used as serving pieces for a fundraising meal of soup and bread.

On Saturday, every Empty Bowls Boerne purchase was accompanied by a container of soup, honoring the project’s beginnings.

The fare was provided by Bumdoodler’s Lunch Co., 259 Brantley’s Bistro, Hungry Horse Restaurant, Cibolo Creek Brewing Co., The Dienger Trading Co., Cypress Grille, Richter Tavern, Pinchy’s, Boerne Epicure Gourmet Delicatessen and The Bevy.

Pam Strickler, a student of Sherri Jo Adams’ Mudworks Pottery, stood by to help attendees select bowls and to answer questions about the project.

“When we come here and see all the different artists, and what people are willing to share to help others, it’s just very encouraging,” said Strickler, who donated several pieces purchased in the first hour of shopping.

“I saw this advertised, so I woke early to get a bowl.”

— Jeanmarie Gergan