For Dede Otero, pottery at San Juan College (SJC) is about much more than shaping clay.
For nearly 18 years, the pottery program has given her a place to express her creativity, build lasting friendships and give back to the community through meaningful local causes.
Nearly Two Decades of Creativity and Connection
Otero has spent nearly two decades taking pottery classes at SJC, where she has found a welcoming community of fellow artists she affectionately calls her “mud buddies.” Together, they share a passion for pottery and an appreciation for the opportunities SJC provides to students and community members.
One of the most meaningful ways Otero combines her love of pottery with her commitment to helping others is through the college’s annual Charity Bowl Sale. By donating her time and handmade ceramic bowls, she helps support a fundraising event that brings local artists and community members together for a good cause.
“This community college is awesome, and I don’t think people realize how lucky we are,” Otero said. “This space offers a lot more than other studios.”
Dede Otero Turns a Passion for Pottery Into Community Giving
Each year, pottery students and staff create handmade ceramic bowls for the annual Charity Bowl Sale, bringing their artistic talents together to support a local cause. Among them is Otero, who has contributed bowls to the fundraiser for years.
Otero begins making bowls months before the November event, putting time and care into each piece. Her contributions are part of a larger community effort that connects local artists with an opportunity to give back.
“I’m a big proponent of donating, whether it’s time or items,” Otero said. “This is one of the many ways I contribute to my community.”
Over the years, Otero has made more than 100 bowls for the Charity Bowl Sale. This year, she hopes to contribute at least 25 more.
Her commitment to making bowls year after year shows how individuals can contribute to their communities in ways that reflect their interests and abilities. For some, giving back means volunteering time or donating money. For Otero, it means putting her hands to work, creating something useful and sharing it with others.
Charity Bowl Sale Benefits Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity
The Charity Bowl Sale offers a simple way for community members to support a local nonprofit while enjoying handmade pottery and a bowl of soup.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to helping address local housing needs.
Charity Bowl Sale Details
Dates
- November 19, 2026
- November 20, 2026
Time
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Henderson Fine Arts Center, 9000 meeting rooms
Cost
- $15 per ceramic bowl
- Included with purchase: One free bowl of soup from Mary’s Kitchen
Join local artists, students and community members in making a difference, one bowl at a time.
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