"Empty Bowls” at the Folk School: Handmade Art, Community, and Giving Back?

Artists at the John C. Campbell Folk School are hard at work, crafting beautiful handmade bowls for this year’s Empty Bowls event, set for Saturday, March 28.  

Each unique bowl represents the dedication and generosity of the community to raise awareness about hunger in Clay and Cherokee counties, including the Sharing Center in Murphy, Matt’s Ministry, the Cherokee County Food Bank, and the Clay County Food Pantry. Thanks to community support and generous donations, the Folk School’s annual Empty Bowls event raised more than $9,000 in 2025 to support local food insecurity efforts. 

Event schedule:

• 4-5 p.m. - Stop by the craft shop for their 15% off sale on all pottery! 

• 5 p.m. - Doors open in the Keith House Community Room for bowl preview, selection, music and brown bag raffle. 

• 6 p.m. - Dinner served in the Dining Hall. 

• 6:15 p.m. - Additional bowls and raffle tickets will be available for sale. 

• 6:45 p.m. - Brown Bag Raffle winners are announced. 

Tickets are $50 and will be available for purchase on the Folk School website starting on Feb. 16. Tickets include a delicious meal featuring soup, salad, bread, beverage, and handmade bowl to take home.?To purchase tickets, visit folkschool.org/events/empty-bowls/.