Published: 10/14/2017 6:18:45 PM
FLORENCE – Making 200 bowls from scratch is no small feat.
That’s why potter Tiffany Hilton called in helping hands from all over the Valley to her Florence Arts and Industry Building studio.
Together, the artist and volunteers got a serious jumpstart on Hilton’s commitment to provide the 200 bowls by March 19 for the Amherst Survival Center’s 10th annual Empty Bowls Dinner fundraiser.
“It’s never something I would have taken on by myself,” Hilton said of the undertaking. She’s donated bowls to the yearly dinner over the past decade, but never this many at once.
Sunlight trickled in the large mill building windows late Saturday, as the steady hum from each potter’s wheel merged with conversation and laughter.
In part, the marathon was held in honor of National Clay Week Open Studio, a nationwide event celebrating clay and community, said Hilton. She estimated over 100 volunteers had contributed over Saturday and Sunday combined.
“When I saw all six wheels going at once with six beautiful bowls happening, I thought, ‘It doesn’t get better than this,’” said Hilton.
She is thankful for the support, as there is still much work to be done. Hilton must “baby-sit” the bowls as they dry, trim the bottoms, and then wait until the vessels are fully dry before firing once, glazing, and firing a second time.
“I feel lucky to be in the position to share my skills and resources with a whole new group of people,” said Hilton.
“This is what I have to give back.”
Sarah Crosby can be reached at scrosby@gazettenet.com.