Shaping Hope: The Habitat for Humanity Clay Artists and Studio Behind Cooking on the Square

As one of the largest fundraisers for Habitat for Humanity, Cooking On the Square (COTS) pairs some of the area’s (and state’s) most gifted potters with hungry Cookevillians to meet a basic human need, housing.

“Don Calcote and John Clemons ‘cooked up’ the idea of Cooking on the Square to raise awareness and funds for our local Habitat affiliate. The first COTS was held on October 31, 1997. It’s hard to believe that we’ve enjoyed 28 COTS events (in 2020 we did Cooking off the Square as a drive-thru event where we served King Cake and coffee.) In the beginning, Calcote & Clemons decided to have a Cajun-themed lunch with handmade pottery bowls to set the event apart from other fundraisers. The first year there were about two dozen artists involved in making the 350 bowls used to serve 19 different gumbos. The first COTS raised $5,700 and everyone was thrilled.” Since then, the event has grown exponentially. “We now use 3,500 handmade bowls, and last year we raised $160,000.”

Burnett continued, “John Clemons and his wife, Laura, learned how to throw pottery bowls to add this unique aspect to the fundraiser. They had no idea that the 350 bowls would lead to 3,500 bowls.”

While Cooking on the Square is a well-oiled machine at this point, Becky was quick to note the amount of moving parts, talented people, and generous spirits it has taken and continues to require to make it a success each fall.

“I’m so grateful for all of the volunteers who have been involved with COTS over the years, the many lives that have been changed, and the homes that have been built using funds raised by this event. When you eat your gumbo at COTS, remember that you are helping build hope and homes, one bowl at a time. The first COTS that I attended was in 2004. Then I started cooking gumbo for it in 2005, and I have been cooking or baking for it ever since. I love the event and the mission so much that I participate in several different ways.” Burnett added, “Experienced artists make throwing a bowl look easy, but there are a lot of steps in the process of completing a bowl. Thousands of hours go into making the thousands of bowls needed for COTS. We frequently say that COTS is ‘a party with a purpose.’ Many people plan their schedules around attending COTS each year. There are quite a few people who even come from out of town to be here for this fundraiser. It’s impossible to truly express my gratitude for everyone who participates in any way whether they are sponsors, cooks, bakers, drink teams, artists, volunteers, or attendees. Each one is important.”

For those inspired to get involved with the pottery side of Habitat’s work with Cooking on the Square who may not currently be experienced artists, Becky provided some instruction recommendations.

She stated, “We do not offer pottery classes but highly recommend classes at Mid-South Ceramics/The Clay Lady Campus in Nashville and workshops at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville. Over the years, both have been extremely generous in hosting one-day bowl-making events that we refer to as ‘Bowl-a-thons’ where experienced artists make as many bowls as possible in one day. The bowls are then donated to Habitat for COTS.”

To Becky, the bowls used for Cooking on the Square are an expression of her greater desire (and the goal of Habitat) to serve others. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work in this ministry where we are changing lives for generations to come by helping families make their dreams of homeownership a reality.” Burnett concluded, “The relationships are the best part. Some of my closest friends are a result of my involvement at Habitat. Our volunteers, our homebuyers, and our staff are all important parts of what makes working at Habitat a blessing. I love the Habitat mission statement, ‘Seeking to put God’s love in action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope.’”