Make an Impact | Martin Empty Bowls

Fighting HUNGER one BOWL at a time

"Empty Bowls to me means passion: a passion for people, a passion for service, a passion for community. Empty Bowls was born out of a passion to serve those that need it most. Empty Bowls continues because that contagious passion spreads to other people willing to take on the challenges of maintaining the event. Without passion, there would be no Empty Bowls." - Miranda Rutan, potter

Empty Bowls, an international project to fight hunger, celebrates its 19th year in Martin on November 19th, 2022. Started in 2003 as an effort to support WE CARE Ministries, Inc. food bank, each year, UT Martin fine arts professor David McBeth and volunteers made up of students and alumni create hundreds of ceramic bowls for the event. Every donation given to the local food pantry is thanked by the gift of a handmade ceramic bowl.

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Volunteer with Empty Bowls

There are many ways to volunteer with Empty Bowls! We are always looking for studio hands to mix glazes, box pots, glaze bowls, event set up, and throw bowls.

Do you have a favorite soup recipe? Each year we have over 20 different soups, chilis, and stews to offer during the fundraisers. Send us an email to be added to our Soup List!

Want to help us spread the word? Help us advertise the event by hanging posters, sharing our social media posts, and bring your friends to the event!

Don't forget to join us at the Boling University Center Ballroom on November 19th from 11am - 1pm!