Empty Bowls Project is an international grassroots movement to help end hunger. Ceramic artists around the world participate every year—and so does Wichita! Every fall, Wichita State University’s Ceramics Guild, along with School of Art, Design and Creative Industries (ADCI), the Ulrich Museum of Art and many others, work under the leadership of ceramicist and educator Brenda Lichman to raise funds for the Kansas Food Bank.

It all begins with Build-a-Bowl events. Organizations as well as individuals interested in making bowls to donate are invited to ADCI’s Henrion Hall for Community Build-a-Bowl days. WSU Ceramics Guild and faculty also take the show on the road visiting Wichita-area elementary, junior high and high schools to have students make one-of-a-kind bowls. These bowls are collected, glazed and fired in preparation for the culminating event—the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off.

On the day of the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off, guests are presented with hundreds of bowls made by artists and community members, and dozens of chilies, soups and delicious desserts to try. Guests pay $20 at the door and select a ceramic bowl to keep. They take their newfound bowl, fill it with chili/soup and eat to their heart’s content.

A jury of local chefs, community leaders and President Bardo diligently sample the chilies and do the hard work of selecting winners for Best Chili, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili and Best Traditional Chili. Trophies are designed and custom made each year by the ADCI students.

In addition, the event also features the Wichita National Ceramics Invitational exhibtion to benefit Empty Bowls Wichita at Reuben Saunders Gallery. This juried exhibition features fine ceramics works by WSU ceramics students, alumni and professional artists. This is a great way to get a work of art while supporting the effort to end hunger in our community.

Last year, the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off welcomed almost 1,000 people and raised over $17,000 for the Kansas Food Bank. This event has grown every year since 2013, and this year will be the biggest yet!

All proceeds from the silent auction and ticket sales go to the Kansas Food Bank.

Check us out on Facebook @emptybowlswichita

2017 Event Information:

• Build-a-Bowl Day | 4:00-8:00 p.m. | August 30 | Henrion Hall on Wichita State University main campus | FREE & OPEN TO PUBLIC | Parking Info

• Open Streets ICT | Noon-4:00 p.m. | September 24 | Kansas Food Bank

• Wichita National Ceramics Invitational | Silent Auction | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | September 29 | Reuben Saunders Gallery | FREE & OPEN TO PUBLIC

• Heartland Table Event | 6:00 p.m. | October 14 | Kansas Food Bank

• Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | October 28 | Henrion Hall on Wichita State University main campus | $20 ticket | $10 with student ID | Parking Info