Art and activism joined forces to fight local hunger Friday afternoon.

The 10th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser brought more than 500 bowls, vases, mugs and decorative pieces to the Thorndike Gallery at Southern Oregon University’s Art Building. The fundraiser aims to raise money for local food agencies, such as ACCESS, Ashland Emergency Food Bank and Uncle Food’s Diner.

“Empty Bowls is about food and essentials for a lot of people. It’s a fun way for people to get involved,” said Debbie Jones, member of Ashland’s chapter of Soroptimist International, a volunteer agency to help improve the lives of women and girls around the world.

Soroptimist International, according to co-coordinator Sally Jones, was the main sponsor for the event. Also involved was SOU’s Department of Art, Schneider Museum of Art, and Clayfolk Potters.

Clayfolk Potters, an organization of professional potters and ceramic artists, donated the majority of the bowls on sale. However, SOU art students, as well as students from local high schools and middle schools, donated their work.

From cookie jars shaped like grizzly bears to ornate sushi plates, Empty Bowls displayed a vast amount of diversity this year.

“I love seeing all the pottery – what sells, what doesn’t sell ... we always have a lot of bowls, but there are some real different pieces, too. I think this is the first year we’ve had sushi plates,” said Amanda Pyle, a Soroptimist member and co-coordinator for Empty Bowls.

Pyle also commented that there are a record high number of pottery pieces this year.

Though Empty Bowls originated in 1990, the Ashland community began participating in 2000. According to Soroptimist members, the event grew tremendously over the years.

“It got so big that we moved to SOU a few years ago, said Jones.

Big it was – the majority of bowls were sold within the first half-hour. Pyle said that almost all of the pieces of pottery, which ranged in price from $3 to $30, are sold every year.

“We raised $5000 last year and hope to do the same this year,” said Pyle. She felt that the money could go a long way towards hunger issues.

“I really do think, if we give them [food agencies] this money, they can multiply it.”

Sally Jones said that this year is especially important, because of the economic slump, for raising money to fight hunger.

“Jackson County really has a need, and this helps make people aware of hunger issues,” said Sally Jones.

In addition to helping fight hunger, Debbie Jones emphasized the artistic aspects of the fundraiser.

“We [Soroptimist International] do a hunger project every year, but it’s good to do something fun. I had a chance to go throw some bowls for the event ... It’s a great way to provide food and essentials in a creative way ... It’s one of the best things we do,” said Debbie Jones.

Importantly, Empty Bowls also brings together a community of people and resources.

Pyle said that Weisinger Winery and Eagle Mill Farm donated wine. Also, the Ashland Co-Op donated food.

Junior art major and ceramics student Amber Deperro echoed Pyle’s sentiment.

“I decided to come to support my fellow art students ... and I totally support this event. I think it goes to a really great cause,” said Deperro, who hopes to donate her work for next year’s event.

Empty Bowls events are held throughout the world at various occasions. To learn more, visit their Web site at www.emptybowls.net. For more information on Ashland’s chapter of Sorptimist International, visit www.sorptimistrv.org/siashland .