SAN ANTONIO – Caliente Hot Glass Studio opened its doors to the public on Sunday afternoon for a free glass blowing event to help raise awareness for SAMMinistries.

• Artists walked audience through process of glass blowing
• All pieces will be available at Empty Bowls fundraising event
• Each purchase to help SAMMinistries provide services to homeless

Adults and children huddled into the small factory shop north of downtown and watched members of the studio create glass-blown pieces. The artists walked the audience through each step of the process, encouraging excitement through each careful but important moment.

SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry that helps the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering shelter, housing, and other services.

“Sometimes we get to make the world more attractive, but we rarely get to make it better,” resident artist blower Glen Andrews II said. “Now, by partnering with SAMMinistries for Empty Bowls, we have the opportunity to blow glass for the greater good.”

All pieces created during the event, along with hundreds of others from area artists, will be available for purchase at the Empty Bowls event benefiting SAMMinistries on March 3.

Caliente will also give away a glass-blowing experience for two at the event.

“Their support at Empty Bowls and now through the Friendship Blue pieces helps to bridge the gap between culture and cause and we are grateful.” Navarra Williams, CEO and President of SAMMinistries, said.

For each bowl purchased, starting at $25, guests will also enjoy delicious soup and bread from local restaurants, catering companies, and hotels.

Since 2000, Empty Bowls has raised nearly $600,000 to support families and individuals in San Antonio who are homeless or on the brink of housing disaster.