Empty Bowls Project of Paducah

By Cassie Johnson

The Empty Bowls Project is a grassroots movement by artists in various locations all over the world. Bring your appetite to the Paducah Convention Center on August 26 for the Empty Bowls Project of Paducah. Fill your bowl and your belly while enjoying lunch knowing you are helping to feed the hungry in McCracken County.

Tickets are only $18 and lunch will last from 11:30 am until 2 pm. With around 20 of your favorite local restaurants participating, your tummy will be as full as your heart.

Paducah’s Empty Bowls Project is an annual event that raises money for the Paducah Community Kitchen. Since it began, the event has raised over $200,000 for this wonderful organization that strives to feed hungry residents.

“Paducah’s Community Kitchen (PCK) is not a soup kitchen,” Organizer Michael Terra told me. “They are an organization that makes sure a meal is available to those who are hungry, no matter what their status may be. PCK takes care of the whole person. They address a host of different needs and provide services such as emergency bus tickets, paying utilities, and connecting individuals with the resources they need. ”

Food into Bowls

Empty Bowls originated in 1990 by art teacher John Hartman. His idea was simple - artisans make bowls, folks make food, and you have an event to put food into the bowls. It’s a basic concept with a powerful message. Each event is different and unique. They all share the same goal of donating the proceeds to a local organization that helps fight hunger in the community.

Michael Terra and his family moved to Paducah in 2008. As an artist, Michael had participated in many other Empty Bowls events across the country. Once he realized there wasn’t a local event, he seized the opportunity to serve his new community, and the Empty Bowls Project of Paducah was born. Some years there have been as many as 2,000 people who have attended!

“As a child, I was taught volunteering wasn’t an ‘extra’ thing - it’s what you did as a responsible member of the community that you live in,” Terra told me. “Our community lends support to its members every day. We all should do the same! There is always enough to share and the more you share, the more there is for everyone.”

Handmade by local Artisans

The Bowls are all handmade and donated by local clay artisans. There are a few “Throw-A-Thons” with both artist and community participants where bowls are made. Later, a community “Glaze-AThon” is held for volunteers to glaze and prepare bowls.

“Empty Bowls opens our eyes to see those who are largely invisible,” Terra said. “We are surrounded by folks who could use help, but we don’t notice them all the time. Most of us cannot say it’s been two weeks since we had a hot meal or a shower. If we are fortunate enough to have regular meals and a place to call home, then it’s our responsibility to help those who don’t. Anyone can volunteer or contribute. Even better, add it to your family’s giving each year!”

EBPOP has gotten bigger each year. The most important thing that Empty Bowls does is inform us of the needs in our community. It makes us aware that we have neighbors who need our help.

“One aspect of Empty Bowls that is near and dear to my heart is that we are taking care of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Terra said.

Terra wants to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of the sponsors and volunteers over the years. He hopes that participants remember it’s not just about you - it’s about helping those in need around you.

EBPOP is entirely run by volunteers. Your support and contributions enable Terra and his team to pay expenses and help as many community members as possible. You don’t know how big of a blessing a full bowl is unless you’ve experienced an empty one.

If you are a potter who wants to donate bowls, please contact Terra Cottage Ceramics at 270.908.0090 or email ebofpaducahproject@ gmail.com. Online ticket sales will begin on August 1. For tickets or to donate online, visit emptybowlspaducah.com or follow them on social media. 