UW-Platteville Clay Club and Art Department to hold annual Empty Bowls chili cook-off on Sunday

The UW-Platteville Clay Club and Art Department will host the annual Empty Bowls and Chili Cook-Off this Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Platteville Food Pantry.

Food prices and inflated cost of living make events like Empty Bowls even more meaningful. The community's support can make a significant difference in helping local families facing food insecurity.

Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement that originated at a Michigan high school in 1990. Since then, thousands of clubs, schools, studios, and hobby potters around the world have joined the effort to support food-related charitable organizations, raising millions of dollars in the fight against hunger. According to the Empty Bowls website (https://emptybowls.com/), the movement is recognized worldwide for its contributions to local communities.

“The Empty Bowls project is a wonderful way to give back while doing what we love to do,” said Scott Steder, senior lecturer of art at UW-Platteville. “This is our third year at this location. Partnering with Pastor Jasmine Tesdahl and her congregation has been so helpful and ties us deeper into the community that we want to help strengthen.”

Students from UW-Platteville, local potters, and members form the church have contributed to this year's event, creating more than 250 handmade ceramic bowls.

Attendees can select a handmade ceramic bowl, enjoy a chili meal of their choice, vote on their favorite chili, and participate in a silent auction featuring donated pieces from UW-Platteville faculty, local artists and area businesses.

The chili cook-off competition kicks off right at the start of the event and winners will be announced at 12:30pm 

Admission is $20 for the general public and $10 for students with a valid student ID.

Whether you're coming for the chili, a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl or the opportunity to support a great cause, your participation helps make a difference in the Platteville community.