Though often overshadowed by the country's alarming rates of diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, hunger continues to be a tragic problem throughout our small island nation. That's why artist Joann Behagg has decided to do her part to reduce the number of growling bellies going to bed at night.
She'd heard of Empty Bowls - a simple concept developed by Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom in Michigan, U.S.A. The event offers guests a meal of soup and bread and a handcrafted ceramic bowl - representing the numerous empty bowls around the globe - in exchange for a donation. The money raised is given to local organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry.
Armed with a kiln and decades-long experience in ceramics, she held the first Empty Bowls Bahamas (EBB) event in 2009. Hoping to raise awareness of ceramics in the country for a good cause, Behagg's EBB piqued the interest of the surrounding community, but was not without its hiccups. The first event "barely made any money at all", according to Behagg, who recalls having to spend out of pocket for the first few years when there was "no money for the following year (to purchase supplies)".
Now depending on the kindness of strangers, Behagg has asked EBB members to donate toward operation and expenses that come from purchasing and importing materials like clay and glazes. In good faith, the community has taken it a step further.
"The Bahamas has been very generous, and people have been very generous, and schools have been very generous, especially the private schools. They have allowed us to use their facilities - by facilities I mean their kilns. And some private individuals have allowed us to use their kilns," she said. "We sent out a circular last year, and people were so kind. They were even offering to let us use their ovens in their bakeries."
Demanding approximately 3,000 handmade bowls each year, preparation for the event takes a toll.
"It's a lot of running up and down," said Behagg. "I'm running from St. Andrews, to Lyford Cay, to Stapledon, up and down and round and round, and back to my kiln. So it's a lot of movement."
That's why she's decided to get a head start. Behagg has already started making the bowls for Empty Bowls Bahamas 2015, and she's inviting the community to help. Reaching out to public figures and Urban Renewal officials, she received a response from the Killarney Constituency Office, which offered the space for her EBB preparations.
Every Saturday, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., Behagg and EBB volunteers can be found at the office with bowls, clay or glaze in hand. Welcoming anyone with a willingness to help, she's appealing to volunteers of all ages, creeds and political affiliations.
"As long as we have people, we will keep doing it until we get the bowls done. We'd like anyone to come. It isn't just open to Killarney. It's open to anyone. Kids are welcome," she said.
Hoping that volunteers benefit from the experience, Behagg welcomes young Bahamians with an interest in learning to throw on the potter's wheel for a good cause.
"We're looking for young people to teach them how to use our wheel so they can work for us," she said. "We have nine wheels, and we will happily teach people who want to work for Empty Bowls. If they'll work, I will teach them."
Though Empty Bowls' roots are in the U.S., the organization can now be found in countries across the world, including Brazil, the U.K. and Canada. Behagg hopes to use her events to connect Bahamians and Bahamian culture with ceramics by putting a cultural spin on Empty Bowls. The soup served at Empty Bowls often consists of traditional Bahamian recipes like peas soup and dumpling and pumpkin soup; entertainment is largely comprised of Bahamian music and other oratory art forms.
"I think there's so little to do in Nassau as a venue and it's something different," said the ceramicist. "And I think they like the idea of having their children take part in the event, because we take a wheel over there and kids and adults get a chance to play with the clay in a different way. I think it's intriguing for people to try the potter's wheel."
EBB is holding its first thanksgiving and check presentation service on Friday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Holy Cross Amnesty Church, supporters, EBB members and those who want to learn more about EBB are invited to attend. Anyone interested in supporting Empty Bowls Bahamas is asked to make a donation directly to the organization through its account at Commonwealth Bank. Behagg asks those interested in using art to work toward eliminating hunger throughout the country to join her on Saturdays.
"I'm actually feeding people," the ceramicist said. "I'm quite happy about that. It's a lot of work but I enjoy it."

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