Throw-a-Thon

In an unprecedented event, ceramic artist Albert Goldreich will attempt to break the world record for "continuous throwing on the potter's wheel by one person" in a special Throw-a-Thon, benefiting Empty Bowls Houston, on Saturday, January 24th beginning at 3:00 p.m., at 18 Hands Gallery, 249B West 19th Street in the Heights.

Empty Bowls is an international organization with a mission to end hunger. The Houston Chapter benefits the Houston Food Bank and is organized by area ceramists.

No stranger to difficult tasks, the 70-year-old Goldriech has a history of rather unique philanthropic activities. In the summer of 2007, he walked across England to raise money for M. D. Anderson and other charities. Goldreich has arranged a special standing wheel for his heroic feat and plans on turning out some 300 bowls, all of which will be sold at Empty Bowls Houston this March. "It's hard to think about people going hungry," says Goldreich. "I am so blessed that my family has never had to worry about hunger; I feel it's my time to give back."

He fully intends to break the current record of 17 hours as stated in the The Book of Alternative Records. "I am shooting for 24 hours," boasts Goldreich, who is also hoping to bring more visibility to the ceramic arts through the event. "So many people have never seen a potter at work." The artist plans to keep his strength up with health bars and a lot of coffee. He will be stationed by the window, where pedestrians can watch and engage him in the process. Goldreich has few fears about the project and feels it should be considerably easier than walking across England. "It's actually very relaxing to work at the wheel," he says. "Once I get into a rhythm, all should go well."

18 Hands Gallery artist Betsy Evans is excited about the event. "It's great to see Albert channeling his enormous energy into a project as fun as this, and for a great cause," says Evans. "He's a risk taker with an especially warm heart." For Evans, the project fits perfectly with the 18 Hands mission, which includes building awareness of the ceramic arts and contributing to the Greater Houston community.

"Albert has set a big challenge for himself, and all of us in the ceramics community will be pulling for him. Albert's commitment is very generous and illustrates what Empty Bowls is all about -- artists contributing their time and their talent to help those in need through the Houston Food Bank," says Tom Perry, co-founder of Empty Bowls Houston. "With the economy spiraling downward right on the heels of Hurricane Ike's devastation, the Houston Food Bank really needs benefits like Empty Bowls to feed those in the Greater Houston area who would otherwise go without food and good nutrition."

For more information about Empty Bowls Houston, visit www.EmptyBowlsHouston.org. For more information about 18 Hands Gallery, visit www.18handsgallery.com, or call 713-869-3099.

Venue:
18 Hands Gallery

Address:
249 W. 19th St, Ste B
Houston, TX 77008

Phone:
713-869-3099

URL:
http://www.18handsgallery.com

Date:
January 24, 2009