Help make and decorate bowls that will be sold at the 30th annual Chili Bowl Fest fundraiser, held in April at Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW). Chili Bowl is one of WSW’s most beloved community events and largest fundraisers, raising vital funds each year in support of artist residencies, workshops, and year-round programming. Guests purchase handmade bowls created by local artists and volunteers, then fill them with chili to enjoy together: a tradition rooted in community and craft.

This weekly volunteer ceramics group meets on Wednesdays throughout the year to create the approximately 900 bowls needed for the event. The project brings together artists, makers, and neighbors in a shared studio environment to contribute to something both functional and meaningful. There are typically two sessions available each Wednesday: 3–5:30 PM and 6–7:30 PM. Everyone is also invited to join a potluck dinner from 5:30–6 PM and bring a dish to share.

Prior ceramics experience is not required to participate, though some artistic experience is helpful. This is not a formal class, but support is available for artists from other disciplines who are interested in translating drawing, painting, or sculptural approaches into clay. Volunteers are welcome to decorate, hand-build, or throw bowls, and can join at any stage of the process, working independently or collaboratively. All bowls are donated to WSW to be sold at our annual Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser.

RSVP is required. Participants must sign up by noon on Wednesday, and space is limited. RSVPs will open monthly via WSW’s Eventbrite page. Sign up here!

SCHEDULE:

August 5, 2026 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
August 12, 2026 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
August 19, 2026 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM

September 9 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
September 16 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
September 23 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
September 30 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM

October 7 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
October 14 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
October 21 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM
October 28 First session 3-5 PM; Second session 6-7:30 PM; Potluck 5-6 PM

COMMUNITY FIRING SCHEDULE AUGUST-OCTOBER 2026:

Wednesday August 12, 2026 Community glaze
Monday, August 17, 2026 Community bisque
Monday, August 24, 2026, Community glaze

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Community Bisque
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Community Glaze

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Community Glaze
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Community Bisque

Learn more about kiln rentals here.