Empty Bowls

EMPTY BOWLS

PART ART – PART SOUP – ALL HEART

Empty Bowls is an internationally-recognized event to fight hunger in communities around the United States and throughout the world. In 1990, John Hartom and Lisa Blackburn, art educators in Michigan, created Empty Bowls to connect artists with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

It began with a relatively simple concept: students would handcraft ceramic bowls and invite faculty to a soup lunch. In exchange for a donation, faculty could keep one of the handcrafted bowls home as a reminder that somewhere in the community someone’s bowl is empty.

Now, more than twenty years later, countless communities throughout the United States and around the world have embraced this grassroots project to fight the pervasive problem of hunger.

The Neighbors’ Place began hosting its Empty Bowls event to increase awareness around food security in Marathon County. Since then, the event has continued to grow and has raised funds to fight hunger in the community through The Neighbors' Place food pantry and basic needs programs.

Empty Bowls 2022

Empty Bowls 2022 was presented by Bridge Community Health Clinic and Connexus Cares. Thanks to generous contributions and partnerships, The Neighbors' Place raised more than $50,000 to fight food insecurity during our 15th annual event. Thank YOU!
Bowl Stops:
Clay Corner Studio
Clay House Pizza Kiln
Center for Visual Arts

Pop Up Location: 

Whitewater Music Hall 
Soup Stops:
Great Dane Pub & Brewery Company, La Taqueria, Red Eye Brewing Company, Sconni's Alehouse & Eatery, Sixth Street Filling Station, The Mint Cafe, Tine & Cellar, Tucknee Coffee and Van Acre.

The Neighbors’ Place is a homegrown community center providing a hand up to residents of Marathon County and the surrounding communities. Our mission is a simple one: to be “People Helping People.” We are here to work collaboratively, listen respectfully, and care actively – treating everyone who comes through our doors with dignity. All money raised at this event benefits people seeking food assistance from The Neighbors’ Place Food Pantry.

Empty Bowls 2022 is Presented by:

Empty Bowls