The relationship between food and art has a history as far back as Paleolithic man. Unfortunately in the 21st century, modern man, no matter how advanced, still starves.
"Food and clay are definitely related," said Clayworks owner Susan Ward. "We are making bowls to feed the hunger in Idaho, and for a decade we have helped the hungry through this project."
Boulder Mountain Clayworks will open its studio in Ketchum on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 3 p.m. for its Empty Bowls Project. Clayworks will provide the clay and anyone in the community high school age and older can make bowls. This year the goal for the Clayworks is to make 100 bowls, and the state goal is 2,000.
"The (Idaho) food bank supplies various organizations in Blaine County," Ward said. "The project began in Arizona where a couple of potters got together with a food bank to help people in need."
On Friday, Nov. 28, over 20 downtown Boise restaurants will donate a variety of soups to fill the bowls, which will be sold throughout the day on The Grove in Boise. Every bowl full of soup sold on that day will help provide more than 50 meals for hungry Idaho residents. The event helps the food bank provide food to over 200 charitable organizations, including some in Blaine County, that provide direct daily assistance to thousands of people.
"It will be a busy time in the studio," Ward said. "Last year we had a group of high school students, older adults and young adults all working together and everyone enjoying the creative experience as well as community service. It's free, and we encourage people to come back in November to help glaze."
Boulder Mountain Clayworks is located in the Tenth Street light industrial park behind Power Lumber on Tenth Street.
Dried clay bowls wait for glazing at Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
Courtesy photo
