Carnegie Hall’s Pottery Studio once again became a hub of creativity, generosity, and collaboration as community volunteers gathered to support the United Way of Greenbrier Valley through the inaugural Empty Bowls Throwdown events.
Held in the Carnegie Hall Pottery Studio on Dec. 18 and Jan. 17, the throwdowns brought together artists and volunteers of all experience levels to create functional works of art in support of a long-standing partnership between Carnegie Hall and United Way. Under the direction of Sean O’Connell, Carnegie Hall Pottery Studio Manager and Teaching Artist, participants worked side by side throwing and hand-building bowls with care and intention.
Over the course of the two sessions, volunteers produced more than 150 unique bowls, each one a handcrafted piece of functional stoneware. Every bowl reflected the individual maker’s creativity while contributing to a shared mission: supporting United Way’s efforts to address food insecurity and strengthen the Greenbrier Valley community.
In appreciation of the volunteers’ time and dedication, the United Way of Greenbrier Valley provided pizza parties on both dates – adding a celebratory and communal spirit to the long studio hours.
Carnegie Hall extends heartfelt thanks to the community members who generously gave their time and talents to this meaningful effort. Participating volunteers included Eugene Worlledge, Sophie Wiley, Nate Wiley, Amy Dennison, Harold Butler, Sarah Clapham, Abigail Clapham, Bobbi Loos, Maggie Karrs, Kellen Leef and Wendy Friedman.
Through collaboration, creativity, and community spirit, these volunteers helped transform clay into a powerful tool for positive change. Carnegie Hall is proud to continue its partnership with the United Way of Greenbrier Valley and looks forward to future opportunities to create art with purpose.
