BEMIDJI — Sometimes art can be more than a chance for an artist to express themselves. It can also raise money for a cause.
That’s what’s happening until Friday, Dec. 19, with the Empty Bowls project in Bemidji.
For the fundraiser, ceramic bowls made by Bemidji High School students and educators are sold at the Wild Hare Bistro & Coffeehouse. The money raised goes to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.
Bemidji High School got involved with the project about four years ago, according to teacher Sarah Stewart. She said a former employee of Wild Hare who is now a BHS teacher made the connection. It seemed like the perfect project for students to get involved in.
“If we can give back to the community and showcase student work, that's awesome,” Stewart said.
Bemidji High School art instructors themselves funded the materials used; the school district's funds are not used. Some teachers give extra credit to students who participate.
“If a student wants to create a bowl that they can make on the wheel, they can hand build, and then they have to glaze it, they can donate that and get some extra credit points in my class," Stewart said.
The bowls are on display for sale at the Wild Hare now, with a recommended $10 donation for the bowls. The bowls available may vary in quality, because a lot of ceramic students are new to pottery. However, all the bowls are food safe.
Stewart said it was a win-win for all involved with this project; the students, Wild Hare and Bemidji Community Food Shelf.
“It's just really cool for our students to get their stuff out there, for people to see it, for people to purchase it, and just own a little something from the community and also give back to the community.”
Stewart said she also hopes students appreciate how something they create is helping others, and that they are participating in something for the greater good.
She added that other art department members help make something like this possible: Michael Schlemper, Nina Lubarski and Eric Callagan.
“Without those three, this wouldn't have been possible to get these bowls done, get them to the Wild Hare, and be able to donate to a good cause,” Stewart said.
The bowls go quickly every year, and the demand for them is heartwarming, she said. Stewart said she also hopes to get more school districts involved in future Empty Bowls projects.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
