NORMAL - Art teacher Beth Smith has inspired her students to help others by using their artistic skills. The teens created colorful ceramic bowls that will be sold March 7 to raise money for Home Sweet Home Ministries.

For $10, ticket-holders get a take-home plus a meal of soup or chili.

"It's been quite a project," said Smith. "It's gone deeper than just making a bowl and getting a grade for it."

Before Christmas, the Normal Community West High School teacher read numerous stories in The Pantagraph about hungry people in this community. She decided this time of year - when there are fewer philanthropic efforts - would be the right time for students to do their part.

"I feel like we are giving back to the community. It's good," said freshman Sara Wheeler of Normal as she worked on a bowl.

Students read the articles and learned about their community and then learned various ways to create bowls. "I had one student tell me today that she cried when she read the articles about the homeless," Smith said.

It is the first time Smith and her students have organized an Empty Bowls dinner, but similar events have been held across the nation.

Making the bowls was a challenge.

"It was kind of tricky to get it just right and have no cracks," said senior Dominique Lashley of Normal, who decorated her bowl in Jamaican colors.

"I'm a hands-on person," said senior Lindsey Wright of Bloomington, adding making something useful is so much more fun than reading a book.

"It's been fun and it's for a good cause," said junior Brianne Bryne of Bloomington, who made three bowls on a potter's wheel. She plans to volunteer at the fundraiser as well.

Senior Bryce Arnold of Normal discovered he has special talent at the potter's wheel, so Smith let him become a full-time bowl maker. He was relieved: Arnold said he isn't as good at sketching and other art projects, and was happy to make so many bowls to help in the effort.

Smith found herself challenged as well. The teacher had to do some fast experimenting when she learned clay she had ordered would arrive too late for students to use. A substitute was available but it was moister, which eliminated some options for bowl making.

Junior Brandi McCarrey of Normal is no stranger to service work and has served meals at Safe Harbor shelter run by The Salvation Army. "The first time I went was a little scared, but I had a good feeling, and want to do it more," she said. "I think it's a really good cause, and happy to be part of it."

Smith said the project is "a great way for my students to realize they can do something good in the community by creating art."

An array of finished bowls is on display in a glass case in the hallway near the Normal West office.