My paternal grandparents immigrated from what is now Ukraine just before the turn of the 20th century. They came with the dream of a better life—a life of freedom and opportunity. I am not Ukrainian, but the towns they came from are easily located on a map, which brings the war in Ukraine closer to me. I am appalled that we are watching the devastation in Ukraine and cannot stop it. Ukrainians also want a life of freedom and opportunity. The least I can do is support those who are directly supporting Ukrainians in their fight. Boats and Bowls are this year’s special Pots for a Cause.
My grandparents came on a boat, sailing past the Statue of Liberty. HIAS was probably there to welcome them to the Golden Land. As a second generation American, I benefited from my grandparents’ leap of faith and hard work, and am privileged to have had the freedom and opportunity to pursue my life as a potter. My journey in clay led me to design Double Dip Dinghies, and their success has certainly led to a better life. In memory of Josef Horowitz from Sniatyn and Rose Rubin Horowitz from Koralifka, I will donate $9 for each Double Dip Dinghy sold at Maine Potters Market in June 2022 to the local HIAS Affiliate Network Partner, JCA of Southern Maine.
Bowls are the archetypical nourishment vessel. One can eat or drink from them, even cup a hot bowl to warm hands. I have made sunflower bowls and necklaces to benefit the World Central Kitchen, which is doing an incredible job cooking and feeding those in need (including babies and pets), in Ukraine and around the world. $18 from the sale of each Sunflower Bowl, and $9 from each necklace will be donated to World Central Kitchen. Please join me in supporting all who are on journeys pursuing the dream of a better life, whether by choice or not, by helping the World Central Kitchen feed them on the way, and help HIAS welcome some of them to new homes here in Maine.