Empty Bowls
The Blue Mountains Clay Collective is a non-profit community group based in the Greater Blue Mountains.
Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls Blue Mountains: A Community-Driven Initiative Fighting Food Insecurity
The Empty Bowls Blue Mountains initiative is a grassroots community project spearheaded by the Blue Mountains Clay Collective, a group of passionate local ceramicists dedicated to using their craft for social good. Rooted in the international Empty Bowls movement, which began in the early 1990s, this local iteration brings together artists, businesses, and community members to support food security programs in the Blue Mountains region.
2024
The Empty Bowls Blue Mountains 2024 event, organized by the Blue Mountains Clay Collective, was a remarkable success, bringing together artists, community members, and local businesses to combat food insecurity in the region. Held on September 7, 2024, at Junction 142 in Katoomba, the event featured handcrafted bowls donated by local potters, including contributions from Blackwattle Pottery. Attendees selected a bowl and enjoyed a serving of soup, with proceeds supporting Junction 142's food relief programs.
In the lead-up to the event, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre hosted a free clay bowl-making workshop, encouraging community participation and increasing the number of bowls available for the fundraiser.
The collaboration between artists, volunteers, and attendees not only raised significant funds but also heightened awareness about local food insecurity, strengthening community bonds and inspiring ongoing support for those in need.
Empty Bowls Gallery 2024
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer your time to make sure the event runs smoothly. You can help before, during or after the event. The areas where we need help include but are not limited to: collecting donated bowls, setting up the day before, selling raffle tickets, meeting and greeting customers, refilling bowl display as required, assisting customers set up auction app on their phones, packing up and cleaning up after the event.
Pledge a Bowl
Are you a potter? Create and donate handcrafted bowls to support the cause. (350 - 500ml size)
Donate Prizes or Auction Items
Individuals and businesses can help to raise additional funds by donating raffle prizes and/or items to be auctioned on the day.
Donate to the Cause
Every dollar makes a difference in supporting Junction 142. You can donate via the auction app or by making a direct deposit to the collective.