News 2023: Ceramics students produce 220 bowls to raise money for hunger alleviation in New Bedford

$11,000 raised for New Bedford Salvation Army Food Pantry

Continuing a 10-year tradition, more than a dozen ceramics students in the College of Visual & Performing Arts created 220 glazed bowls to be used during the Empty Bowls fundraising dinner aimed at alleviating hunger. Guests purchased the handmade, one-of-a-kind bowls, helping to raise $11,000 for the New Bedford Salvation Army Food Pantry.

"Students felt, more than ever, committed to making and donating over 200 handmade bowls to help raise money for New Bedford hunger alleviation. This year's efforts were extraordinary," said Professor of Art & Design Rebecca Hutchinson, who coordinated UMassD's efforts.

"The Ceramics Club is a group of 30+ students who organize educational and service-based programs. In this case, students used their hand building and throwing skills to make one-of-a-kind crafted bowls for the Salvation Army Food Pantry banquet."

"I am so proud to present the Empty Bowls fundraiser with over 200 bowls, each one handmade by members of our club," said second-year ceramics MFA student and President of the Ceramics Club, Rachel Mulcahy.

"We are honored to have played a part in this impactful event, which historically generates substantial funds for New Bedford hunger. We remain dedicated to this city, which UMass Dartmouth art students have called home for many years. New Bedford is a beautiful, vibrant community and we will continue to find ways to contribute and make a positive impact."

Students fired their bowls in various community artists' kilns, including Professor Hutchinson's private studio, producing a little more than 18 bowls per student.

"We want to give a shout out to the students and professors of the ceramic art department," said Phil and Debbie Rose, Salvation Army coordinators for New Bedford. "Year after year they have made beautiful soup bowls with love and determination for the Salvation Army Soup Bowl Supper fundraiser to benefit our community in need during the holidays.

"People look forward with anticipation for these one-of-a-kind bowls. Without the ceramics department's willingness to participate, we wouldn't be able to have this fundraiser that helps so many people during the holidays. We can't thank the ceramics department enough for their generosity and willingness to help."

"We remain dedicated to this city, which UMass Dartmouth art students have called home for many years. New Bedford is a beautiful, vibrant community and we will continue to find ways to contribute and make a positive impact."