Bowls of Love – An Artful Act of Giving

Using Art to Help Others

A couple years ago my school started a Fine Arts Booster Club the help support our arts programs. One of the events that we started doing as a group is what we call “Bowls of Love” which is loosely based on the concept of the Empty Bowls non-profit organization.  Basic concept: Ceramic bowls and plates glazed for a charity.

Our objective was to come together as a group, get to know each other, and provide a benefit to those who might be in need through an artistic act of service.

Supplies: *Bisque Rice Bowl, 3 X 5-1/2 in, Pack of 12, Mayco Coupe Dinner Plate, 9-3/4 Inches Diameter, Case of 12, Mayco Stroke and Coat Wonderglaze for Bisque Set A – 1 Pint – Set of 12 – Assorted Colors, water cups, paint brushes, paper towels 

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Donating Food Items

Instead of raising money for a charity we decided to keep it much easier and donate food items. The fine arts booster club generously paid for the cost of the bowls (*Bisque Rice Bowl, 3 X 5-1/2 in, Pack of 12), the art department donated the glazes. This year we added plates as an option to glaze-BIG HIT! (*Mayco Coupe Dinner Plate, 9-3/4 Inches Diameter, Case of 12)

 

We found a local charity that gives food and clothes to the needy (*Reveal Resource Center). We asked them what types of food they we low on, which was tuna & soup. The group was  asked to bring either 5 cans of tuna or 4 cans of soup for each bowl that was glazed.

We encouraged families (all ages) to come for the evening; we had music and refreshments. It was a great time and lots of food was donated!

Tips to Help the Bowls Event Run Smoothly:

1. Have people RSVP at least 3 weeks in advance.
   1. They must rsvp with the number attending and how many want to do bowls and how many want to do plates. (Only one per person)
   2. Set an age limit and require parent to attend with ages ____ and under.
2. Send an email reminder a week out to all who have RSVP’d:
   1. Date, Time, Location.
   2. Wear something you don’t mind getting glaze on. (It is washable)
   3. I also add for them to be thinking of  what they would like to glaze and to bring a reference picture.
3. Make a poster to place by the entry door with welcome and starting instructions.
   1. Please place canned food in the baskets by the door. Please sort by food type.
   2. Pick up a bowl & take it to a table.
4. Set up tables with instructions posted at every table. (I made table tents)
5. Offer small snacks.

Bowls & Plate of Love Procedure:

1. Choose a seat & pick up a bowl or plate as you reserved.
   1. Use a BLACK COLORED PENCIL to write your first, last name & YEAR on the BOTTOM of the bowl or plate.
2. Getting Glazes
   1. Look on the Ceramic Glazes chart to choose your colors. Choose only 3 colors to start with.
   2. Get a paint palette and post-it note from the glaze cart. Write the numbers of the colors you use on the post-it note.
   3. Shake the glaze first. Squeeze glaze into the “well” so it is ½ full. Be care to not overfill- you can always come back for more!
3. GLAZING-think in LAYERS!
   1. DON’T PAINT THE BOTTOM
   2. Paint BACKGROUNDS FIRST-2-3 coats, then add details on top. Details should be painted LAST.
4. When Finished (change it to fit your situation)
   1. Place finished pottery on Wood Tray that is on the purple table.
   2. Place paintbrushes in the “Crayola” soapy water bucket in sink #1. Rinse out water cup & place upside down in the black dish rack.
   3. Bowls will be ready to be picked up on ____, _________. Please come to the art room to get them.

Here are some pictures of just some of the bowls:

Here are some pictures of our plates (will post more after glaze firing):

“Bowls of Love” was developed by Michelle C. East.  If you choose to use any of this post (written or photos), please link back to this blog Create Art with ME!

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