Ceramics Studio Opens Door to Public for Empty Bowls Project
The Empty Bowl Project invites the public to the BFSDoArt’s ceramic studio for their annual Open Studios event.
The Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt) at Georgia Southern University invites the community to join them in creating bowls for its annual Empty Bowl Project, a service project that benefits the Statesboro Food Bank.
Under the direction of ceramics professor Jeff Schmuki, ceramics students work year-round to create unique bowls to be sold with chili for $10 each. All proceeds from the chili sale are donated to the Food Bank, which provides food for families not only in Bulloch County, but surrounding counties as well.
In addition to students who work diligently on this project, the ceramics studio is opened to the public twice. Faculty, staff, students and members of the community, from beginners to those experienced in working with ceramics, are welcome to attend the studio sessions and create bowls to support the mission of the project.
This year, Open Studios will be held Tuesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 2 from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Ceramics and Sculpture Building. Visitors will be able to work with experienced ceramics students to create and decorate bowls for the chili sale, set this year for Thursday, October 30 at the Rotunda on Georgia Southern’s campus.
In 2013, the BFSDoArt ceramic students, with the help of the community, contributed the ‘largest singular monetary donation’ to Statesboro Food Bank during the Empty Bowl Project. The project raised nearly $5,425 and for every dollar donated, the Statesboro Food Bank is able to provide the equivalent of seven meals to someone in need.
Not only does this unique event educate non-potters about ceramic skill-sets, but it also allows the university and community to work together in making a difference for individuals in our area.
“We live in one of the poorest counties in Georgia and as citizens, we have the responsibility to help those less fortunate in our area. It’s not just about making bowls, but beginning a conversation. I’m often asked by students, ‘How can I make a difference?’ The answer is simple: Start where you live, start in your community,” said Schmuki.
Ceramics and Sculpture Building
4000 Forest Drive
Statesboro, GA 30460