9 Oct 2019 LYNN ATKINS latkins@nwadg.com
The Artisan’s Alliance at Wishing Spring has been working for a good cause for the last few months. Empty Bowls is coming to Benton County.
Dave Johnson is one of the potters at Artisan’s Alliance who is working on the new project. Empty Bowls is a national organization, and events have been held in Washington County, Johnson said. He believes this one will be the first in Benton County.
The artists who work in the new pottery studio behind Wishing Spring Gallery have been making bowls, he said. Each one is handmade and each one is unique. During the craft fair, Empty Bowls will have its own booth near the front of the show to sell about 500 bowls for $15 each.
But buying a bowl is only the beginning. On Nov. 14, the bowls can be filled at the gallery.
A local restaurant will be donating either chili or soup, Johnson said. There will be entertainment and a raffle as well. There are two serving times to choose from, 11 to 1 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. Anyone who buys a bowl can bring it and get it filled. Or, they can bring a receipt showing they purchased one and enjoy a meal without risking their bowl.
One hundred percent of themoney raised will go to feed the hungry in Benton
County, Johnson said. Sponsors will be found to pay any overhead expenses, and the artists are donating their time. He expects to raise $7,500.
But it doesn’t end there, he said. “When they look at the bowl throughout the year, it’s a reminder that there are hungry people in Northwest Arkansas. It’s a year-round thing,” he said, “We want to take our talents and multiply them to help.”