Bowls a reminder of Carson City’s hunger problem

Local artists are joining a national grassroots movement to raise awareness about hunger in the community.

Robin McGregor, owner of Carson City Pottery housed in the basement of the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, spearheaded the Empty Bowls Project to raise money for Friends In Service Helping, which feeds about 20,000 people in Carson City each year.

“When I found out about all the good things F.I.S.H. does, I wanted to get this going,” McGregor said.

Local potters, including students at Fritsch Elementary School, Bethlehem Lutheran School and Virginia City High School, have created about 600 artisan bowls. Residents are asked to donate at least $10 to F.I.S.H., and in return, they will receive the handcrafted bowl that’s meant to serve as a reminder of those who go hungry.

“We think about other places,” McGregor said, “but it’s happening right here. We should not have any empty bowls in our community, in our country.”

Bowls will be available from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Arlington Skate Rink during the annual Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights. Those who donate can fill their bowls with soups, chilli, spaghetti and other food donated by local restaurants. Tickets may also be purchased in advance at some businesses, including Remedy’s Bar, the Children’s Museum, Purple Avocado, Comma Coffee and F.I.S.H.

Shannon Oien, director of development for F.I.S.H., said the donations are coming at a key time during the holiday season.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “The food bank and the dining room are really busy. This is really great.”

The project, which organizers hope to make an annual event, will run in conjunction with the Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Light at 5:30 p.m. on the Capitol grounds, when the state trees will be lit.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will give out candy canes, and the Carson City Fifth Grade Music Students Singing Ensemble will provide the musical entertainment.

The festival continues from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Arlington Square Ice Rink, where Santa will hand out candy canes from noon-4 p.m. and winners of the annual art contest will be announced at 1 p.m.

Clay for the Empty Bowls Project was donated by the Big Ceramics Store in Sparks and Laguna Clay in California.

People interested in volunteering to help clean up after the Empty Bowls Project should attend a meeting 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.