City council members, city attorneys and school administrators are all experts at building better communities. That doesn’t make them expert potters, though.

Local leaders sat down at pottery wheels Wednesday to make bowls for the 15^th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.

The event raises money for ResourceWest and ICA Foodshelf. People from all over the community first get together for bowl-making events. On Wednesday, Hopkins High School art instructor Terry Chamberlain’s pottery students guided the novices through the process.

Empty Bowls then takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 12 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Attendees make a free will donation; choose their favorite bowl from among 1,000s created by local artists, students and volunteers; enjoy a simple bowl of soup and bread and return home with the bowl.

There will also be musical entertainment, and professional artists have donated bowls and related art for a silent auction.

Last year, students, staff and community potters created 1,022 bowls—helping the event raise $76,117.

But the community doesn’t have to wait until the event starts to begin helping. Residents are able to donate to the event right away through the Supervalu Challenge. Click here to donate online. Sponsors of $250 or more will have their logo prominently displayed.

Sponsors can also donate in-kind items such as soup, bread, coffee and other items, and musicians are needed to perform at the event. Volunteers are needed, as well. Those who would like to help should contact Barb Westmoreland at 952-988-4069 or email her at Barb.Westmoreland@HopkinsSchools.org.

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