by At James Buchanan High School, the Art Club is using creativity to make a real impact—one handcrafted bowl at a time.
The club, known for filling the school’s display cases with student artwork, is reaching beyond the classroom with its annual Soup Bowl Fundraiser, set to take place on December 15th in the JBHS cafeteria. This event blends artistry with community service, offering guests a warm bowl of soup—and the chance to support a meaningful cause.
From Room 301, members of the club are busy crafting ceramic bowls on pottery wheels, each with its own unique flair. These bowls will be sold at the event for $10 each, and every purchase includes unlimited servings of soup.
“All the bowls are $10 each, and you can have as many bowls of soup as you want,” said Lizzie Pittman, a junior and Art Club President.
While the fundraiser helps cover the club’s operating expenses and supports their annual trip, any remaining funds are donated to a local charity. In past years, proceeds benefited Saint Thomas Tiger Totes, a program that provides food to children in need at St. Thomas Elementary School.
“The first year we did it, we made close to $2,000. We ended up donating over $800 to Tiger Totes,” said Mrs. Kayla Chambers-Matulevich, Art Club Advisor. “That’s what I’d like to do again.”
Tiger Totes helps ensure that children who rely on school meals during the week also have food over the weekend—a cause that resonates deeply with the student artists.
But these bowls are more than just containers for soup—they’re personal expressions of creativity. Each piece reflects the individual artist’s style and care.
“I like putting my own creative twist into everything, so it’s like it’s my own work,” said Sydni Ressler, a senior in the club.
The creativity doesn’t stop at bowls. Club members are also making mugs, ornaments, and other clay items to raise additional funds.
“Some of us don’t just make bowls,” Ressler added. “We also can make mugs or little ornaments.”
As the event approaches, the Art Club is hard at work, shaping not just pottery—but a sense of community, compassion, and artistic purpose. The Soup Bowl Fundraiser on December 15th promises to warm hearts, fill bellies, and support those in need—all through the power of student creativity.
