In 1991 John Hartom, an art teacher in Michigan initiated a drive to raise charitable funds for his community using ceramics. This drive, 22 years later, has become an international project to fight hunger known as “Empty Bowls.”

“Of all the times I’ve been to the museum, I’ve never seen as many people inside as there are for this event,” Steve Hilton, school of visual arts associate professor, said.

The event begins Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. when well-known, international artists will participate in an exhibition art competition. Each artist will put a price on his or her own work and guests will be allowed to purchase any and all pieces. The top artists will receive a portion of the $6,000 in prize money.

“Because of the available prize money, I was able to invite 23 well-known international artists to the event,” Hilton said. “We should be able to raise $8,000-$10,000 in the exhibition alone.”

Then, on Oct. 15, faculty, students and volunteers will hold their own version of the fundraiser at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, a lunchtime event.

“It’s a feel good event,” Hilton, said. “It’s less about money and more about awareness.”

Hilton said the lunch, catered by more than 20 local restaurants and vendors, costs $35 per person and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hilton said all proceeds from ticket sales will go to the area food bank and all of its 200 partner agencies.

Tickets are only sold in advance and can be purchased online, at United Market Street on Kell or Jacksboro Highway, the Museum of Art and the area food bank.

Hilton said last year proceeds totaled at $65,000, money that translates into about 350,000 meals to be provided to more than 40,000 North Texas residents.