21st Annual Empty Bowls Sale

The Hamilton Potters’ Guild Hosts 21st Annual Empty Bowls Sale in Support of Hamilton Food Share

A creative community tradition helping fill empty bowls across Hamilton.

HAMILTON, October 8, 2025 – From November 7–9, local potters from the Hamilton Potters’ Guild will once again come together for the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Beautiful, handmade bowls will be available for $30 each, with every dollar raised supporting Hamilton Food Share and its network of hunger-relief programs across the city.

This long-standing partnership between the Guild and Hamilton Food Share highlights how art and community care can come together to make a tangible difference. Each empty bowl represents both creativity and compassion—and offers a reminder of the many families in Hamilton facing food insecurity.

“This event has always been a powerful reflection of what community means,” said Radhika Subramanyan, Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Food Share. “The need for food assistance continues to rise across Hamilton, and we rely on initiatives like Empty Bowls more than ever to help meet that need. Every bowl sold helps ensure that no one in our city goes hungry. We’re deeply grateful to the Hamilton Potters’ Guild for their generosity and long-standing commitment to supporting their neighbours.”

Over the past 21 years, Empty Bowls has raised more than $394,000 for Hamilton Food Share. The funds help move over 4.7 million pounds of nutritious food each year to 22 hunger-relief programs, including food banks and hot meal initiatives throughout Hamilton.

The Hamilton Potters’ Guild Fall Sale draws thousands of visitors annually, featuring high-quality, locally crafted pottery of all types and price ranges. This year’s featured artist is Richard Mund, an accomplished ceramicist from Neustadt, Ontario, known for his functional and decorative stoneware that combines timeless design with everyday utility.

Event Details (Hamilton Potters’ Guild Fall Sale Hours):

Friday, Nov 7: 1:00pm -10:00pm

Saturday, Nov 8: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday, Nov 9: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St S, Dundas, Ontario

About This Year’s Featured Artist: Richard Mund

Richard Mund is an accomplished ceramic artist based in Neustadt, Ontario. He creates functional and decorative stoneware pottery with a focus on clean form, thoughtful design, and beautiful glazes. His work is influenced by traditional craftsmanship and the relationship between handmade pottery and everyday use. Each piece is designed to bring beauty and utility into daily life, reflecting Richard’s passion for accessible, functional art. Three photos of pottery by Featured Artist Richard Mund below.

For a full list of participating artists, visit: https://www.hamiltonpotters.ca/

About Empty Bowls

Now in its 21st season, the Empty Bowls initiative has raised over $394,000 for Hamilton Food Share. Empty Bowls is held during the Hamilton Potters’ Guild’s Annual Fall Sale. The bowls are donated by Guild members and sold for $30. All the proceeds go to Hamilton Food Share.

About the Hamilton Potters’ Guild

Established in 1971 in Hamilton, Ontario by thirty-two enthusiastic potters, the Guild’s membership has grown to close to four hundred. The Potters’ Guild of Hamilton and Region is a non-profit organization. We are a friendly, diverse, and very active group with a common interest, namely “CLAY”. Our members range from students to full-time professional potters. Many members have their own studios making utilitarian and decorative vessels with smoke, raku, electric, gas reduction and wood firings.

About Hamilton Food Share

Hunger is a reality for one in four Hamilton residents. For 35 years, Hamilton Food Share has been the central hub of a city-wide network of hunger-relief programs, making sure nutritious food reaches those who need it most. By distributing fresh and non-perishable food to 22 member agencies—including food banks and hot meal programs—Hamilton Food Share delivers support across every corner of the community, reaching thousands of families each month. Last year, more than 4.7 million pounds of food were distributed to people across Hamilton. For more information, visit hamiltonfoodshare.org.