Photo by William Crooks
Lucy Doheny and Kathryne Owen smile as they showcase a selection of finished bowls ready for the Empty Bowls Lennoxville event
Empty Bowls Lennoxville returns
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Empty Bowls Lennoxville, an annual event supporting local food security, returns on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. for its 11th edition. Founded by Heather Thomson and potter Lucy Doheny, the event embraces the international Empty Bowls movement, where handcrafted pottery is sold to raise funds for local food banks like Moisson Estrie and Cornerstone. “We’re closing in on $80,000 over the years,” Doheny shared recently in an interview, expressing her hope of surpassing that milestone this year.
This year, the event will take place in Doheny’s driveway (37 Moulton Hill), a change prompted by the pandemic. Previously, the event featured soup served in the bowls, but the shift has allowed for a simpler and more accessible setup. Doheny explained, “If I just do empty, empty bowls, it can be in my front driveway, and then I don’t have to transport the bowls. They go straight from the studio to the table.”
The event’s bowls are a collaborative effort involving various local talents. Among those lending their skills is painter Kathryne Owen, who has been painting bowls for several years. “I love painting. It’s like instant therapy for me,” Owen said, describing the peaceful environment she enjoys while working on the bowls in Doheny’s backyard, surrounded by nature. She expressed her gratitude for the experience, saying, “Lucy keeps telling me how thankful she is, and I keep telling her I’m the one that’s thankful. We make a pretty good team.”

Taylor Passmore focuses on crafting a bowl in preparation for the upcoming Empty Bowls Lennoxville fundraiser
Another key contributor is Taylor Passmore, a pottery enthusiast who became involved after taking a course at Champlain College. Doheny noted that Passmore brings a unique energy and passion to the project. “She’s just an incredibly sweet young girl,” Doheny said, praising Passmore’s dedication and involvement despite her busy schedule.
The event highlights the power of community collaboration, with each bowl representing the shared efforts of local artists and volunteers. “It’s about bringing people together to support a cause that touches so many lives,” Doheny emphasized. The funds raised support several local organizations tackling food insecurity, ensuring that the impact of each purchase extends far beyond the event itself.
For those interested in supporting, Empty Bowls Lennoxville offers a chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind bowl while contributing to a meaningful cause. Whether through painting, pottery, or simply purchasing a bowl, the event showcases how collective efforts can make a substantial difference in the community.
The event will take place Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 27 Moulton Hill in Lennoxville.