Potter John Macomber Has Been a Steady Supporter of Empty Bowls Project at MCC
MANCHESTER, Conn. (October 26, 2015) – The 18th annual Empty Bowls Project on the campus of Manchester Community College will again feature the popular handcrafted work of John Macomber, founder of South Windsor-based Greenleaf Pottery.
Macomber, who brings his 40 years’ experience as an artisan, is a longtime contributor of handcrafted stoneware to the MCC-hosted event. He has donated anywhere from 100 to 300 bowls each year. The work has been a key draw to the event and a major contributor to its success.
“John has been generously donating his time and talent for nearly a decade,” according to Kathy Kern, assistant professor in MCC’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts program, who sits on the event’s planning committee. The Empty Bowls Project will be held this year on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the college’s Culinary Arts Center. Admission is $15.
Kern added, “Many guests come to Empty Bowls not just to support Foodshare but also because of John’s beautiful pottery.”
As a creator of functional stoneware pieces, Macomber considers himself fortunate to be able to make a living through his craft. “Not even one in a thousand potters are able to make it in this business,” he said. “I’m grateful for what I have, and want to give back a little.”
According to Foodshare, about one in eight people in the agency’s service area – Hartford and Tolland counties – regularly deal with hunger issues. Last year, Foodshare helped provide food for more than 12 million meals by distributing canned goods, fresh produce and other edible goods to food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and community kitchens.
About Greenleaf Pottery – John Macomber founded Greenleaf Pottery in 1975 in East Hartford with a gallery, 11-wheel student area and personal work space. In addition to producing his own work, he has provided instruction and apprenticeships to up and coming potters. The studio moved to South Windsor in 2004. His work has achieved recognition and has been featured at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, as well as in other exhibitions. Macomber is celebrating his 40th anniversary with an open house and reception Friday, December 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. The open house will continue December 5 and 6 and December 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Foodshare – Recognized as one of the most innovative, progressive and efficient food banks in the country, Foodshare serves Hartford and Tolland counties and since 1982, has sought to solve the problem of hunger in the region. Last year, Foodshare provided enough food for 12 million meals to 300 partner programs including food pantries, community kitchens, and homeless shelters, and through its Mobile Foodshare program. Despite that significant effort, two-thirds of the need remains unmet. In order to bridge this gap, the organization is involving the entire community to increase the amount of food available from all sources while also helping individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. Looking beyond the immediate lack of food, Foodshare will address the chronic underlying causes of why there is still hunger in America, stemming from poverty and the lack of access to resources.
