In an effort that will benefit the Houston Food Bank, a Fort Bend artist has broken the world record for “continuous throwing on a potter’s wheel by one person.
Ceramic artist Albert Goldreich started throwing pots on a wheel at 18 Hands Gallery, on 19th Street in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.
He kept going for 18 hours straight, creating 100 bowls and winning the right to have his name included in The Book of Alternative Records.
Goldreich said he is donating the bowls he created to Empty Bowls Houston, which will sell them at their annual fundraiser on March 21 at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and Lawndale Art Center.
Empty Bowls is an international organization whose mission is to end hunger. The Houston Chapter benefits Houston Food Bank, and was organized by ceramic artists.
“I could not have done it without the help of some very special people,” Goldreich of his record. “I am so thankful to Pamela Owens, owner of the Ceramic Store of Houston, for donating the clay. She and her employees were also available throughout the event in rotating shifts to help me with whatever I needed.”
Owens volunteered to bisque-fire the bowls, and Roy Hanscom, head of the ceramic department at Lone Star College North Harris, is donating his time to glaze all 100 bowls and do the final firing.
Artists and friend visited the gallery throughout the day while Goldreich worked the clay, to cheer him on.
“I had such support, and I am so appreciative to everyone who helped,” he said. “Breaking the world record was a goal I wanted to accomplish, but most of all, I wanted to bring awareness to Empty Bowls Houston and their mission to help feed the hungry in Houston. “ I am so blessed that my family has never had to worry about hunger. I feel it’s my time to give back.”
To make it official, a panel of judges witnessed Goldreich’s record-breaking effort.
