The Art League of Ocean City, First Shore Federal Bank, and Diakonia are teaming up for their 4th Annual Empty Bowl Project to fight world hunger this winter. Sponsored by First Shore Federal Bank, hosted by Art League of Ocean City, and set to benefit our local shelter, Diakonia, the Empty Bowl Project provides a unique opportunity for the community to bring awareness to hunger among the local community and international locations around the world. Local volunteers can participate in this movement over the next two months by visiting the ALOC to make pottery bowls for the annual Empty Bowl Dinner to be held on Friday, March 31st at the Arts Center. There are extended hours for the year of 2017 beginning at 4:30 p.m. and lasting until 8:30 p.m.

What is the Empty Bowl Project?

The Empty Bowl Project is an international significant effort to fight hunger while utilizing art to raise awareness of this unfortunate issue among the world. Across the globe, communities participate in the movement to end hunger. The Empty Bowl Project is celebrating its 27th year in 2017, raising millions of dollars to help fight hunger.

Local Implications

Combining efforts of the local community, businesses, ALOC, and Diakonia, the Empty Bowl Project was offered to Worcester County community in 2013. All of the funds raised during the Empty Bowl Project are given to the ALOC and Diakonia. Diakonia has assisted individuals and families in Worcester County and on the Lower Shore for the past 41 years providing food, shelter, clothing and resources needed to help rebuild lives. Diakonia’s inspiring motto is “help for today, hope for tomorrow” proving that taking time out of your day to help serve thousands in need makes a huge impact. Diakonia also operates a food pantry that provides food to hundreds of needy families every month. The Art League of Ocean City is another non-profit organization who promotes the visual arts in Ocean City area through community art events, education, scholarships, programs, and exhibits.

Join in the Fun

Want to give back? There are many ways you can help, starting with a pottery session! For the next two months, the ALOC will be hosting one-hour sessions for participants to create handmade bowls for the Empty Bowl Dinner. Sessions are free to the public and last one hour:

Sunday, Jan. 8 1-2 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16 5-6 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 1-2 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 1-2 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 1-2 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16 1-2 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 5-6 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.

For a $25 donation at the door, those who attend the dinner will receive a handmade bowl, you can even purchase the one you created! The 2017 Empty Bowl Dinner will be held on March 31st from 4:30-8:30 at The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street, home of the Art League of Ocean City. For more information on the event, please visit: https://artleagueofoceancity.org/