Annual ‘Empty Bowls’ event fills empty stomachs

TACOMA, WA — Pacific Lutheran University students and faculty have found the perfect recipe to fill empty bowls around Pierce County.

The tenth annual Empty Bowls will be held from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 18 outside Old Main Market in the Anderson University Center on the PLU campus. Each $10 ticket supports Pierce County homeless and includes a student-made bowl and soup from PLU’s culinary staff.

“The proceeds go to those who have less than we do,” said Steve Sobeck, a visiting ceramics professor at PLU. “In years past, we’ve had lines of people waiting to get these bowls.”

Last year, the ceramics program created around 150 bowls for the event, and this year, they are planning on having about 200 bowls. Representatives said they hope the increase in bowls available will increase the number purchased and raise more money for the homeless.

“It’s about the connection of the artist to user,” ceramics student Sarah Henderson said. “I am connected to whoever uses my bowl and vice versa. I’m thinking about the relationship throughout the whole creative process; to have someone pick one of my bowls out of the group. That’s the best feeling.”

The students can take pride in the achievement that each empty bowl they sell fills one up for those who need it most. Join the PLU community this November at Empty Bowls to get a taste of student artistry.