When Lisa Howard was growing up in Norwell, her parents often took her to volunteer at a homeless shelter in Brockton. A few decades later, the now potter and business owner is paying that lesson forward. Lisa Howard is helping South Shore residents support local food shelters while introducing them to her passion for handcrafted pottery.

In partnership with eSS&SC and the South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC), Local Pottery in Norwell will host its third annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on May 6, 2017. Pre-registered guests will enjoy an afternoon at Howard’s studio sculpting, carving, and stamping leather-stage bowls (pre-spun and shaped by Lisa and her team, but still soft enough to be personalized). The bowls will then be hardened, glazed, and fired for guests to take them home two weeks later.

Howard says the day provides an opportunity to introduce people to handmade ceramics while doing something that is inherently important to her work. “As a potter who focuses on designing pieces you’d find in your kitchen, I feel a strong connection between my craft and the practical purpose it serves,” Howard explains. “Unfortunately, food insecurity is a widespread problem, and this event is a way to help meet a very basic need that so many people have in our communities.”

The money collected through the prepaid event registration fee goes directly to SSCAC to support area food shelters. Last year’s event included approximately 100 participants and raised more than $1,600.

Event Info:
Pre-register by visiting Local Pottery on Facebook, click on the Empty Bowls event link, or by emailing info@localpottery.com

Local Pottery
376 Washington Street
Norwell, MA 02061
(781) 937-1230
www.LocalPottery.com

By: Tatum McIsaac lives in Kingston. This is her second eSS&SC article highlighting the efforts underway to help combat hunger in our community.