This course will provide an opportunity to learn about creative community engaged practices of contemporary art and ethical processes in the context of local food insecurity. Through direct dialog and face-to-face interaction with local residents and by investigating creative interventions devised by artists/activists dealing with issues of food sovereignty and social justice, students will gain understanding of artists’ role in society and will responsively participate in activities that support the Kitchen Cupboard, a food education and distribution program in Bennington. The class will help produce ceramic bowls which will be used at the 2017 Empty Bowls communal supper that links a community service organization and local residents with students, staff and faculty of Bennington College. A series of weekend and/or evening ceramics workshop sessions will be conducted so that residents and students can learn collectively and work toward a production goal. Previous experience in ceramics is not required but an open mind learning attitude, positive involvement in discussions and a high level of commitment in the collaborative event planning/promotion and weekly production schedule are expected. Attending the weekend Empty Bowls event is mandatory to pass this course. (Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 5-8 pm.)