Ceramic arts studios host 8th Empty Bowl Benefit to support Barre’s Good Samaritan Haven

April 1, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Ceramics from The Mud Studio & The Blockhouse Studio will be for sale at this year’s Empty Bowl Benefit. Courtesy photo

The Mud Studio in Waterbury and The Blockhouse Studio in Waitsfield, two local community-driven ceramic arts studios, will host their 8th annual Empty Bowl Benefit on Sunday, April 13, at Zenbarn in Waterbury. 

The event will raise funds for the Good Samaritan Haven, a homeless shelter in Barre.

The Mud Studio and The Blockhouse Studio have hosted these annual community events, bringing together artists, local businesses, and caring individuals to make a positive impact. 

The Empty Bowl Benefit is a unique opportunity to select a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by a local artist, enjoy a meal of soup, bread and dessert, along with live music drinks for purchase and a silent auction. 

“I am really happy we have so much community and business support to put on this event again for its 8th year,” said The Mud Studio owner Mike Sullivan. “Sharing these beautiful bowls has become a wonderful tradition for the studio and its artists. We are happy to have a way to help Good Samaritan Haven continue their very needed mission in central Vermont.”

The event is supported through donations from local businesses including: Red Hen Bakery, Piecasso, Sarducci’s, Joe’s Kitchen, American Flatbread (Stowe), Maxi’s, Von Trapp Farmstead, Vermont Creamery, Peggy Smith, Anne Duffy and Tom Williams. 

All proceeds will directly benefit the nonprofit Good Samaritan Haven which has been providing shelter, meals, and comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Barre area for over 30 years.

Seatings for the Empty Bowl Benefit will be at 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets include the choice of a handcrafted ceramic bowl to keep, plus a meal of soup, bread and dessert. Tickets are by donation with a suggested minimum donation of $35. Children may participate for $10 for a meal only. Purchase tickets online at themudstudio.com. 

The auction will be live online at noon on April 4 with physical items on display at Zenbarn at the event. Bidding will close on April 14 at 12 p.m. Before or after the event, the silent auction can be viewed online here.

More information is online at themudstudio.com and blockhousestudio.com.