BRATTLEBORO-Almost every spring for 20 years, Brattleboro Clayworks on Putney Road has invited the community to help make bowls to feed the hungry. This year's Bowlarama will be held on Saturday, May 18.
"Volunteers will make hand-built bowls to donate to the annual Brattleboro Empty Bowls dinner," organizers said in a news release. "They won't need any experience or special skills, since artist-teachers Judith Thomas, Andi Matthews, and Karen Horton will provide basic instruction and gentle support to help shepherd their creations from start to finish." And, they say, it's a lot of fun! There will be no throwing on the wheels at this event.
While many bowls are donated by professional potters, bowls made by so-called "amateurs" - from the French "amor," for the love of it - are often the first to be chosen.
Clayworks donates instruction, clay, glaze, and firing costs. There is no charge to participate; however, financial donations to Groundworks are welcome.
The Empty Bowls Dinner, held in early October at Landmark College, raises funds for Groundworks Collaborative. Potters contribute bowls, local eateries donate home-cooked soups, and musicians share their talents. For a $25 donation, participants will enjoy live music and a delicious meal in a handcrafted bowl they then take home.
Space is limited to 15 participants per session. Advance sign-up is required for the morning or afternoon sessions - 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. - by calling Brattleboro Clayworks at 802-254-9174. Children ages 10 and older are welcome, accompanied by an adult.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.