Art Studio deep in corridors of Grace Christian School

Here are some more pictures of those working in the ceramics studio. For about seven or eight weeks, a bowl making party has gathered every Wednesday evening at Grace Christian School. The ceramics studio is found by travelling through these windy halls and corridors, for the fearless adventurer. Deep into the school you finally come to this cradle of creativity where slamming of clay balls and excited chatter and bowed backs labor over their craft. All are bravely tapping deep into their own creative souls, some seriously focused, some gleefully carving unique decorations, some proudly displaying the variety of designs as hundreds of bowls are stacking up in the ceramics vault (a closet really). This activity can be likened to creative writing in the often messiness of brainstorming and then shaping one's thoughts into something coherent. Don't you wonder about the quiet artist who is connecting mind and heart with hands?

All drama aside, the mystery of the ceramics studio is being revealed in the radical abundance of all those gathered to share their gifts of creativity in the acts of compassion, sharing, laughter, groans, perserverance, admiration and conversation.... being present to one another in order to bring forth diverse creations for a greater purpose. No bowl is identical. As each artist transforms the clay, those gathered are transformed by each other.

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Empty Bowls Made at 45th Bennington Battleday Parade

On Sunday, August 16th, Bennington pulled out all stops to commemorate the 45th Bennington Battleday Parade. This state holiday celebrates a battle fought in 1777 during the Revolutionary War to ensure that the provisions for Bennington and the colonial army would be safe. As the 14 bands and musical groups and 16 floats passed by with all splendor and pride, people of all ages came to the tarp for Empty Bowls. Consider the connection of community coming together to preserve the safety of supplies both in the history of this area and today for all those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families despite the economic crisis that impacts us all. Here are some pictures of those who came to make a bowl - to make a difference.

What does making an Empty Bowl mean to you?

In 2008, 10% of Vermont households were unable to access enough food to fully meet their basic needs at all time. The statistics are even more dire for children: one in six children in Vermont experiences hunger. In Bennington County alone, over 1400 children under the age of 18 experience hunger. More than a third of all Vermonters cannot afford either enough food or nutritious food. And the current economic crisis in our nation has made circumstances even more difficult for local families. Visits to local food pantries and requests for help from the Food and Fuel Fund have increased drastically over the past year.

More Pictures Courtesy of Mark Rondeau of the Bennington Banner

This event of bowl making was held at the Bennington Free Clinic, another program of Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Servics, Inc.

Muddy Hands Are Allowed

Lisa Flynn, of First Baptist Church, crafts a bowl on a potters wheel. Her son is learning the art. Young people from all over Bennington are engaged in the gift of creation and gift of giving.

500 Bowls Made by 1000 Hands

Many groups around the Bennington area have been holding Bowl Making parties. Here are some pictures of those working toward the goal of 500 bowls. These will be glazed at the Bowl Glazing event on August 26th at 5 pm at Grace Christian School. These were taken at the UCS Health and Safety Fair.