Hamilton Community News Empty Bowls Ancaster Nov 11th 2010

Potters’ Guild annual show fills empty bowls

By Kevin Wood, News Staff

Arts & Entertainment
Nov 11th, 2010

The Potters’ Guild of Hamilton and Region’s annual fall show held last weekend did more than just provide a showcase for 109 exhibitors from the area and across southern Ontario, it helped feed a lot of hungry people.

The pottery show raised $26,340 for Hamilton Food Share on Friday and Saturday through its involvement in Empty Bowls. The three-day show and sale held at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre was attended by several thousand and was a key event in the Arts Dundas Weekend 2010 event.

Empty Bowls is a worldwide organization of potters dedicated to eliminating hunger in their local communities and raising money for food charities. Participants in the show donated pottery bowls and cups that were sold for $20. By Sunday, 1,317 pieces had been sold through the Empty Bowl project. Hamilton Food Share is able to leverage the contributions, acquiring about $200 worth of food for each bowl sold. Last fall’s show raised $20,420. This was the sixth year the guild has raised funds through the Empty Bowl sale.

Established in 1971 by 32 enthusiastic potters, the Guild’s membership has grown to over 300. The guild is composed of professional and amateur potters. Many members have their own studios making utilitarian and decorative vessels for smoke, raku, electric and gas reduction firing.

The Guild has many activities. Monthly meetings are held September through May with a speaker. Fall and spring sales of members' work finance the running of the guild. Twice yearly workshops give the opportunity to extend skills.

A biennial juried exhibition allows members to show their work to the public.

For more information about the guild, visit www.hamiltonpotters.