The Art League of Ocean City has launched two programs that will benefit Diakonia and the Worcester County community.

The Empty Bowl Project, a benefit for the Diakonia food pantry and the programs of the Art League, is being celebrated locally with the sale of 150 handmade pottery bowls for $25. Bowls are available for purchase at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and also online at www.biddingowl.com/ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.

The Empty Bowl Project is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and a unique opportunity to use art in a way that helps the community. The project is a collaborative effort between the Art League and Diakonia to raise awareness and funds for hunger through creative engagement. Sponsors are First Shore Federal Bank and Shore United Bank.

The Art League is also collecting coats that will be passed on to Diakonia for their annual coat drive. Both new and used coats are welcomed in children’s and adult sizes, but coats should be clean and in good condition. Coats may be dropped off at the Arts Center on 94th St.

The Art League will accept bowl purchases and coat donations at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, during normal business hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street is the home of the Art League of Ocean City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the Ocean City area through education, exhibits, scholarships, programs and community art events.  The arts center is supported by memberships, corporate and civic funding, donations and sales of art.

More information is available at 410-524-9433 or www.artleagueofoceancity.org.