By SHERRI KOLADE
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools Art Department wants the public to “fight hunger” and “get art,” a slogan used for Empty Bowls, an international organization that helps fight hunger.
The effort created by The Imagine Render Group, a non-profit international grassroots effort inspired DPS to bring the Empty Bowls project to Dearborn and for the past 20 years students have handcrafted bowls to donate to guests during the event. This year is no different for the DPS Art Department.
From 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave., the Empty Bowls project will take place. Soup and bread will be served inside the bowls for guests.
Dearborn Public Schools Teacher Dail Russel, also chairwoman for the Empty Bowl Committe for Dearborn Public Schools, said the collaboration is between community members and the school. The Empty Bowl project coincides with the Museum’s Patriots & Peacemakers Exhibit, which tells true stories of heroism and self-sacrifice of Arab American roles in the America’s history.
Russel said when the event is over, the guests can take home the bowls. “The bowls are a reminder of all the hungry people in the world,” Russel said. “It is a very touching moment. Students like making the bowls and it is a really great asset to communities everywhere.”
Russel added that students really learn a lot about community outreach.
“I believe one individual can make a difference … art is a way they can make a difference,” Russel said.
The suggested donation for the Empty Bowls event is $5 per person.
(Sherri Kolade can be reached at [email protected])