PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has been hosting the Empty Bowls fundraiser for over two decades, an initiative led by Art Professor David Bradley. The event aims to raise awareness and funds to combat food insecurity. As Bradley plans to retire in May 2025, the recent October event was particularly significant. Attendees shared a meal and took home handmade ceramic bowls. The upcoming Spring 2025 event will mark Bradley's final participation.

Bradley described the project as a combination of his passion for making bowls and addressing food insecurity. He stated, "The Empty Bowls project has been a marriage between my love for making bowls and the reality of food insecurity." Over the years, his efforts have contributed significantly to community hunger relief.

The October event raised over $1,700, making it the second-highest fundraising record at PVCC. Nearly 100 people attended, enjoying music from PVCC alumni Summer Welsh, JAM NOW’s James Austin Murray, and Arizona State University student Alexis Gaston. Amici Catering provided food donations.

Stacy Moreno from PVCC's Social Work Faculty praised Bradley's contributions: “What David has brought to this event over the years cannot be matched.” She began collaborating with him in 2023 and expressed gratitude for being part of his work.

Bradley's involvement with Empty Bowls dates back to 1991 when he participated in events organized by the Mesa Arts Center and Arizona Center in Phoenix. He introduced this tradition to PVCC in 2000, raising nearly $20,000 for local food banks and PVCC’s Puma Pantry.

Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses due to rising tuition costs and other financial challenges. A report by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice indicated that 39 percent of college students experienced food insecurity in 2019. Fundraisers like Empty Bowls are vital in addressing these issues by raising awareness and providing meals.

Moreno emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “Fundraisers like Empty Bowls play a critical role in addressing food insecurity among college students.”

Bradley integrates this cause into his ceramics classes each semester. His advanced students create bowls for the event twice a year. Proceeds support Puma Pantry, while leftover bowls are donated to other local events.

Crafting these bowls requires skillful preparation of clay. Bradley explained that centering clay on the wheel is crucial: “If the clay is off center then control is lost.” The process involves drying and firing bowls twice at high temperatures for durability.

Bradley reflected on their significance: “The journey to our kitchens is fraught with difficulties for these bowls...they will be eternal reminders of the need to help those in our communities who don’t have enough to eat.”