The kiln has been working overtime at Longmont’s Crackpots. Going in are beautifully hand-painted ceramic bowls, and coming out are true works of love.
As the OUR Center's signature fundraiser, Empty Bowls helps to raise awareness and feed the hungry in the Longmont area. All proceeds benefit the OUR Center's food program. For the past nine years, since Empty Bowls began, locally-owned Crackpots has been partnering with the Our Center for the event.
“Crackpots strongly supports and sponsors the OUR Center because it helps people in our own community get back on their feet and find self-sufficiency,” said Tamar Hendricks, owner of Crackpots.” Because we are a mom and pop shop here in Longmont, we really believe in helping local causes.”
Over 300 Crackpot bowls have been painted and donated. Every bowl is unique and specially-crafted by someone in the community--professional artists, children, church groups, boy scout troops, and more. Additionally, local high school students will donate bowls they have created in their pottery classes.
“Empty Bowls is actually a concept that is done in many communities nationwide, although we do it in a more community-oriented way,” Hendricks shared. “Often, it's just professional potters who donate bowls to their local cause. We get the entire community to be the artists and donate their bowls to the OUR Center. Each Empty Bowl represents the fact that there are people who are hungry with empty bowls right in our backyard.”
At the March 10 event, attendees will select a hand-painted bowl and fill it with their choice of soups from area restaurants and caterers. After enjoying the soup with friends and family, the bowl is theirs to keep as a reminder of those who face hunger every day. Every ticket purchased provides a hot, nutritious meal for 12 people at the OUR Center.
There are only a few days remaining to flex your artistic muscle. February 29 is the last day to create a bowl and donate it to the this year's Empty Bowl event.
“Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.” – Lao Tzu
More details on Empty Bowls:
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10
Where: Longmont High School, 1040 Sunset St.
Tickets: $20 before event, $25 at the door. Purchase at the OUR
Center, 303 Atwood St.; Crackpots, 501 Main St.
More info: Go to ourcenter.org or call 303-772-5529.
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