The Clay Bodies Ceramics Club will host their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Nov. 15 supporting the food pantries of Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP) on campus and the Human Concerns Center in the community, with the student club hosting some opportunities starting this weekend to help create the products.

Anyone who has experience throwing or trimming clay is asked to stop by Tyler Hall in the ceramics room (128 Tyler) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26. 

On Friday, the Throw-a-Thon will take place, where those experienced can come in, write their name on a sign-in sheet and receive a block of clay to throw and shape. Saturday's Trim-a-Thon will allow interested individuals to sign in again and then trim the bowls in preparation of firing the pieces in the kiln.

The club is optimistic that there will be a high turnout of attendees this weekend, as in previous years many have shown to take part in the process. This is especially true for members of their own club, which has been “growing in size,” said Antonia Cantu, president of the Clay Bodies Club. 

Cantu also mentions that although the club has grown in size and received more funding assistance as a result, they still welcome new members to join. Also, many of their e-board positions will soon be available with officers’ graduation approaching. 

Students don’t have to be art majors or have experience with ceramics to join the club or apply for the e-board. Amanda Lacey, vice president of the club, is a zoology major who got into ceramics after joining the club and attending the prior Empty Bowls events.

There will also be another opportunity to help the club if you aren’t experienced in throwing or trimming, but still want to help prepare for the fundraiser. On Friday Nov. 8, anyone can attend the club’s Glaze-a-Thon in 128 Tyler Hall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

This event will allow individuals experienced or not to paint the bowls created from this weekend. There is not a specific restriction on what you can paint, so attendees are welcome to paint solid colors, patterns or their own creation as long as it is appropriate. 

The following Friday, Nov. 15, the Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held in the Tyler Hall Lobby from 1 to 7 p.m., which traditionally draws a large turnout from the campus and community. 

Most bowls will range from $10 to $30 across different tables depending on size and design. However, there also will be a table for pieces under $10. This table will include unsold bowls from the previous fundraiser, so if you saw a piece last year you liked, you might have another opportunity to grab it. 

The club will take cash, check, Venmo or PayPal and also have a small station to bag items, but organizers recommend bringing your own bag to make sure your new purchases stay intact on the way home. Anyone is also welcome to donate their own handmade bowls for the fundraiser or canned and non-perishable items to go towards the pantries.

– Written by Leila LaJoie of the Class of 2024