Art students involved in a community service project
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Lain Veihl, who graduated from Onaway High School last June, didn?t wait long to return to the halls of his hometown district. He?s only been at Kirtland Community College (KCC) for a few weeks, but was back at the school Monday seeking the help of his former classmates on a community service project he?s taken on. More specifically, Mrs. Barb Kowalewsky?s 9-12 art students.
Veihl is part of the criminal justice program at Kirtland, which requires a minimum hours of community service. Veihl decided to raise money for River House, a shelter for abused and battered women near the college.
?They go there to escape the environment of the house, and whoever is abusing them,? said Veihl,
Veihl decided to get involved in a program called ?Empty Bowls.? Handcrafted bowls, of every shape and size, are sold at a silent auction at KCC. ?All of the donations from the silent auction will go towards food and whatever the needs of the family are,? said Veihl. OHS students took on the task in earnest, molding and shaping their bowls with care. Once the bowls are completed, they are taken to the KCC art department to be put on display and later sold.
The starting bids will be about $5; however, last year they were going for about $8 on average. Additionally, some of the best bowls will receive awards. About $2,000 was raised last year. The goal is to have 300 bowls this year. ?The kids really seem to like working on the bowls for a cause,? said Veihl.