EMPTY BOWLS at Charles Wright Academy, Nov. 17, 2012 from 1-3:30 pm.
VESSELS pre-fundraiser event Nov. 16, 2012 from 6-8:30 pm.
Each year, local potters, woodworkers and glassblowers do an amazing trick: they create multitudes of bowls for the Emergency Food Network's (EFN) Empty Bowls event - and each dollar raised by a donated, hand-made bowl is transformed into $12 worth of fresh food for distribution in Pierce County food programs. This year, Empty Bowls takes place on Nov. 17; the night before, EFN will host a juried art show and auction called "Vessels" with proceeds also supporting this vital work.
The challenge of obtaining food in our community is at an extraordinary level. If you are an artist, you may have a special talent that can make a difference in the lives of neighbors in need. Empty Bowls will provide clay, studio space, firings and glazes for vessels - but they need you to make them! Please consider throwing a few bowls for this wonderful event. Together, we can fight hunger with art.
Established in 1982, the Emergency Food Network provides more than 13 million pounds of healthy, nutritious food annually at no cost to over 65 food banks, hot meal sites and shelters for distribution to low-income families and individuals. With an administrative overhead of under 4%, EFN distributes $12 worth of food for every $1 received.
"We are excellent stewards of the money," says Executive Director Helen McGovern. Farm growers in WA, OR, CA and AZ donate tons of fresh produce annually to EFN, but the organization must cover freight costs.
Dozens of artists are working to support this year's events. At Empty Bowls, supporters can peruse more than 1,000 beautiful bowls made by area artisans, more than half priced at just $10 - and with a purchase they will enjoy a bowl of homemade soup prepared by a local restaurant or chef, on the premises. "It's become like a little Iron Chef competition," says McGovern. Participating businesses include Pacific Grill, Engine House 9, Infinite Soups, Alina's Soups, and the Swiss. An array of higher-priced glass and wooden vessels will also be available for purchase. Entries in the Vessels silent auction start at $25. It's a great place to start holiday shopping, notes McGovern. Read more of this post
