MVCAF Launches its Second Annual Empty Bowl Project

Last year, the Moreno Valley Cultural Arts Foundation (MVCAF) received a grant from the Community Foundation for their Empty Bowl Project. Besides being a venue for the arts in Moreno Valley, MVCAF has a very active public service component such as food, toy, and clothing drives. MVCAF President Richard Archer wanted to call attention to the daily challenges faced by the over 3,000 homeless students and their families in Moreno Valley as part of the Foundation’s commitment to making a stronger community. Archer’s concept was to partner with artists along with the Salvation Army Moreno Valley Corps, the Path of Life Ministries, and the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Archer asked artists to take wooden bowls provided by MVCAF and transform them into an artistic statement about homelessness and hunger. He also recruited Kris Black, Hollywood actor and director to collaborate with the students and faculty of Eagle Pro Productions at Valley View High School to create a documentary about the project and that aspect of homelessness. Captain Murphy of the Salvation Army, Damien O’Farrell of Path of Life Ministies, as well as staff and homeless families at the transitional home, King Hall participated in the development of the documentary. Over 40 artists from as far away as Shanghai, China, created art bowls. The bowls went on exhibition at the MVCAF’s Vanguard Cultural Arts Museum Gallery located at 27120 Eucalyptus Ave., Suite A, Moreno Valley, CA 92555 in May 2014. In June, the documentary by the students was premiered and the bowls were auctioned at a fundraiser held by the Salvation Army. MVCAF raised over $2000 from the auction and donated 100% of the funds raised to the Salvation Army Moreno Valley Corps to create the Moreno Valley Homeless Family Assistance Fund. The fund provides hotel and motel vouchers to local families in need of safe shelter. This year, MVCAF has teamed up with the Salvation Army again to launch their Second Annual Empty Bowl Project. There is a bit of a difference this year in that in addition to wooden bowls, artists can also choose to work on a wooden plate. Bowls and plates are available at the Vanguard Cultural Arts Museum Gallery for any artist or artisan that wishes to participate. Artists and artisans are asked to call 562-556-5178 to set up an appointment to pick up their bowl or plate. Completed artwork must be returned by May 16. Bowls and plates will go on exhibition the last two weeks of May at the Vanguard and then be auctioned by the Salvation Army the first week of June.