Art Interest Group nets $1300 for hunger relief project

By Jacob Luplow ‘16

During Block 1, 20 students in Cornell’s Art Interest Group (AIG) contributed their time and artistic talents to Empty Bowls, a nationwide anti-hunger project. AIG members worked hard over the last month making ceramic bowls, which were filled with soup provided by Bon Appétit and offered to the public in return for free-will donations at the Lincoln Highway Arts Festival.

The $1300 raised was given to the Southeast Linn County Center to support their efforts to feed those in need. “It’s a great learning experience and being able to help people feels good—especially with art,” sophomore Alyssa Romero said.

AIG is a student organization dedicated to increasing art awareness through educational outreach as well as community art projects. During the preparatory stages of Empty Bowls, the students gathered for “throw-a-thon,” an event through which they bettered their ceramic making skills.

“The students bonded during the process. I think that happens when you are working together for a cause larger than yourselves,” said Susannah Biondo-Gemmell, assistant professor of art and AIG advisor.

Biondo anticipates the Empty Bowls Project will continue growing and remain an integral aspect of Cornell’s culture.

“This was our first year. We had a month, from start to finish, to get the event organized and the pottery created. Next time we hope to spread the work throughout the academic year and really see the event grow.”

Sophomore Heather Brown, AIG president, considers this year’s Empty Bowl efforts a success and looks forward to the group’s next project: creating quilts for children in need through the Linus Project.

“This project has impacted my life because I know that the money we made is going to go toward people who do not have enough to eat. It makes all of the time and effort worth it,” she said.