Special Events and Workshops

Empty Bowls Project
Beads of Courage

Empty Bowls Project

Empty Bowls is a project sponsored by the Kenyon College Craft Center, the Kenyon Review, and the Mount Vernon Nazarene University ceramics students as a fundraiser to fight hunger in Knox County. Bid on bowls made by students and community members, and enjoy a delicious soup dinner! All proceeds benefit Food for the Hungry in Knox County.

The Fifth Annual Soup Dinner and Auction will be Friday, November 4, 2011 in Alumni Dining, Peirce Hall, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Admission is $5/students and children, $8/adults.

2011 Update: In our fourth year, we raised over $4,000 for Food for the Hungry!

2009 Update : In our third year of Empty Bowls, we raised over $5,000 for Food for the Hungry!

Empty Bowls Video

Kenyon Collegian, 11/5/09: "Empty Bowls Dinner"
Mount Vernon News, 10/26/09: "Empty Bowls soup supper and art auction to fight hunger"

2008 Update: Thanks to all who attended our Empty Bowls dinner in 2008. In our second year, we raised over $3,500 for Food for the Hungry!

See pictures from Empty Bowls 2008

Mount Vernon News, 11/10/08: "Lit fest fundraisers score for Food for the Hungry"
Mount Vernon News, 9/29/08: "'Empty Bowls' Fundraiser Shaped at Kenyon"
Kenyon Collegian article, 9/25/08: "Craft Center Sponsors Charity Dinner, Auction"
Empty Bowls 2007 Photo Gallery

Beads of Courage

The Craft Center held our first ever Beads of Courage workshop on Saturday, March 26th.

The Craft Center opened its glass studio to the greater Kenyon community in an afternoon of bead-making for a great cause: children who have been affected with cancer, cardiac conditions, burn injuries, or other serious illnesses. Each time a child goes in for treatment they receive a handmade glass bead that is added to a necklace or bracelet of their own. Studies have shown that the program decreases illness-related distress, increases the use of positive coping strategies, helps children find meaning in illness, and restores sense of self in children coping with serious illness. The program also provides something tangible the child can use to tell about their experience during cancer treatment and after.

We had a great turn out - with over 25 people making beads all afternoon! We produced over 70 beautiful beads, and even made it on the front page of the Mt. Vernon News! (here is a link to the online article: http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/11/03/29/beads-provide-courage-therapy )

The students and community memebers enjoyed the workshops so much that we have decided to hold one every semester - so keep your eyes out for the next one!

PS - Below is a link to a short CBS video of the Beads for Courage program. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMCcJxO9mnY

Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope.
http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/beadsofcourage.htm