Handcrafted bowls raise money for local hunger relief

More than 160 handcrafted bowls helped raise money for local hunger relief during the 100 Bowls for Hunger event held March 13 Market Street Art Spot in Minerva.

The event benefited the Minerva food pantry, with proceeds directed through the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to support local food outreach efforts.

The idea for the event came about while organizers were planning a group show for the month, according to Marty Chapman of Art Spot.

“We were thinking about what we wanted to do for this month, and the idea came to do something for the hunger task force,” Chapman said. “I thought, why not do something called 100 Bowls for Hunger?”

Chapman said the project expanded after he reached out to members of the Buckeye Woodworkers and Woodturners, a group that includes woodturners from across Ohio.

“I asked them, if I could make about 40 bowls, could you guys make some too?” Chapman said. “They said yes right away.”

Many of the participating woodturners chose to donate their work for the fundraiser.

“Most of them said just take the bowls and donate them,” Chapman said. “In most cases the entire price of the bowl is going to the hunger task force.”

The event also included light refreshments and live music by Tommy Edds.

The Minerva Rotary served as the March sponsor of the event. Rotary President Larry Pottorf said members were pleased to support the effort.

“We’re happy to support a worthy cause,” Pottorf said. “All these folks have made some beautiful bowls, and it’s all going to a good cause.”