LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Donna Jones levels out the bottom of her clay bowl as she throws on the wheel Tuesday night at Natchez Clay. Tuesday was the first night local artist gathered to create the bowls for the annual Empty Bowl fundraiser, held in February.

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Stuart Benoit centers a pot on the wheel Tuesday night at Natchez Clay. Benoit and others gathered at the studio to start making bowls for February’s Empty Bowl fundraiser event.

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Stuart Benoit spins his clay bowl on the wheel Tuesday night at Natchez Clay. Tuesday was the first night local artist gathered to create the bowls for the annual Empty Bowl fundraiser in February.