Saint Ursula Academy hosted its annual Empty Bowls event on Sunday, March 6. The Empty Bowls event at Saint Ursula provides awareness about homelessness and hunger in our community through the creation and sale of ceramic bowls. Under the direction of SUA Art Teacher Kurt Nicaise, SUA Ceramics students designed and created Mandala-inspired bowls for the event. Approximately 180 guests from the school and area community were encouraged to take home one of the hand-made bowls as a reminder of the hunger experienced by many in our community.
Guests who attended the event made a monetary donation in exchange for a simple meal of soup and bread. The selected bowl was designed to remain empty in solidarity with those who live with hunger every day. This year, the students raised $2,000 which was donated to the Open Door Ministries.
During the event, Ms. Eva Ramos from Open Door Ministries spoke about what Open Door Ministries does and the needs they support. Additionally, Gabby Baptist ’23 spoke to guests about the significance of the mandala-inspired bowls.
“Mandala, which means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit, is a symbol of balance, unity, and harmony. For this project, we are coming together to help those in need. This event helps build community and union with others,” said Gabby.
Brenna Bohan ’23 reflected on the importance of helping those in our community who are experiencing food insecurity.
In her reflection, Brenna said, “A mandala usually represents a spiritual journey. This was a spiritual journey for me because I was touched by the fact that 12.9 million children in the US are hungry. By creating bowls, we help to raise awareness and give opportunities to those in our community who are struggling with food insecurity.”
Founded in 1973 in Walnut Hills, Open Door Ministries “believes in the dignity of every person, and seeks to encourage and empower people with food security and opportunities to build relationships and create community.” The food pantry and café is open weekly on Wednesday mornings to serve anyone who enters through their “Open Door.”
Peggy Platz ’84, Community Service Learning Coordinator, sees how events like Empty Bowls can help an organization, but also how it can empower students to make a difference in the lives of others. “Hunger and homelessness are an ongoing daily struggle for many Cincinnatians. Hosting an event like Empty Bowls brings the issue to light for a group of our future leaders who can continue to make an impact. Open Door Ministries offers one solution by providing food with dignity for neighbors in need.”
This is the 11th year Saint Ursula has hosted the Empty Bowls event.