Local students had the opportunity to start a tradition and ensure that the less fortunate never will miss a meal by participating in the Empty Bowls project Wednesday night. Community members gathered and enjoyed bowls of gumbo prepared by Chef John Folse.
The Empty Bowls project was created 14 years ago. It began when an art teacher in Michigan wanted his students to solve one of society’s problems by taking on world hunger.
Beverly Wilson, chair of the fine arts department at University High School, LSU’s laboratory school, and Julie Harrison, the art director at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, said they had talked about bringing the project to Baton Rouge for a number of years.
Since October, U-High and LSD middle and high school students have been creating unique bowls.
By creating the ceramic bowls, the students raised money for local food banks and soup kitchens.
“It’s a great learning experience for the school and the community,” Wilson said.
Harrison said it was a character lesson for everyone.
“The community needs to look at the goodness of the project and that children are giving back,” Harrison said.
Each participant was allowed to choose from more than 800 ceramic bowls.
Artists also donated their artwork for a silent auction.
Wilson said she thought it was very important for people to help the less fortunate.
“It is a worldwide issue and we can begin by helping those close to home,” Wilson said.
Although Lauren Guidroz, a junior at U-High, has never made pottery, she said she was excited about contributing to the project.
“When everyone nished their bowls, they were all different,” Wilson said. “We were all given the same instruction, but no two bowls were alike.”
Brendon Mann, a sophomore at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, also enjoyed making the bowls.
“I think that the people here are enjoying picking out the bowls,” Mann said.
Chef John Folse said when he heard about the project, he immediately wanted to be a part of the cause.
Folse said that the community coming together to support a project like this “is one of the greatest banquets of life.”
He also said that he could not believe that the community would react so enthusiastically, because it was only a bowl of soup.
Money raised from the event will support the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room.
Harrison and Wilson said they hope more schools will get involved next year.
“This project will create life-long givers who learn to give back to their community at a young age,” Wilson said.