The Art League of Ocean City (ALOC) is joining forces with Diakonia once again this year to help end hunger…and you can help! After the success of last year’s Empty Bowl Project and Empty Bowl Dinner, the ALOC decided to launch the initiative once again this winter, inviting area residents and visitors to participate by making pottery bowls throughout the month of January and February. The hard work will culminate in a final celebration, the Empty Bowl Dinner, which will feature soup, bread, and desserts from local restaurants.
“We were overjoyed with the participation from the community last year for our Empty Bowl Project, we were able to raise $6k and more than 300 bowls were made,” said ALOC Volunteer and Events Coordinator Mallory Hanback. You might remember ShoreBread’s photos from last year; we enjoyed an afternoon at the Ocean City Center for the Arts making bowls with the friendly instructors. It’s a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon or evening, made better by the fact that it’s for a good cause. All of the bowls made will be used/displayed at the Empty Bowl Dinner on Saturday, March 21 from 5 to 8pm.
“At the Empty Bowl Dinner, for a $20 donation, guests will enjoy a dinner including soup, bread and desserts donated by local restaurants and will take home a bowl to remind them of all the empty bowls in the world,” explained Hanback. The night will also include a deal for families – children under the age of 12 can eat for $5 (bowl not available to take home). Those who are unable to attend the entire event can also purchase soup from the to-go station for $5.
“With an incredible turn out last year, we have made a few changes and added different elements taking place on the night of the Empty Bowl Dinner,” said Hanback. In addition to the soup, bread and desserts, the night will feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffles, and live music. “With the exciting additions and changes we have made to the project, we hope to raise $8,000 this year,” said Hanback.
There a plenty of opportunities to visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts and make a bowl (or several bowls!). There are 14, one-hour bowl making sessions, each free and open to the public to attend. While the sessions are free, Hanback suggests that participants register ahead of time, as seating is limited. ‘We are estimating a total of 300 bowls will be made during these sessions,” she added.
For more information on the Art League of Ocean City or the Empty Bowl project click here.
For information on Diakonia, click here.
