Empty Bowls

Willamette Art Center’s “Empty Bowls” Set for Nov. 23

The event benefits Marion Polk Food Share and the Willamette Art Center

For 11 months, a large cadre of volunteer potters will create nearly 1,500 unique pieces for the annual Empty Bowls. The event, which supports Marion Polk Food Share and Willamette Art Center runs for just one day: Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 to 4 p.m. at Cascade Hall at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.

Proceeds will benefit both Marion Polk Food Share and Willamette Art Center.

The mission of Willamette Art Center is to maintain a sustainable and welcoming community for lifelong learning and exploration of the arts.

The sale will feature handcrafted pottery and wood turnings from local artisans.

Past sponsors include John Gear Law Office, CBTWO Architects, Dutch Brothers, The Grand Hotel, Salem Convention Center, Hotel Salem, Highway Trailer Sales, Salem Electric, Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center and the City of Salem.

The sale is a great opportunity to help feed those in need and get an early start on holiday shopping, said Pam Baldwin and Claudia Hill co-chairs of the planning committee. “Some incredible potters with decades of experience have donated their work, and it’s really exciting to see all the beautiful pottery coming in for the sale,” said Baldwin.

It’s not all “bowls” anymore. The sale will feature bowls as well as ceramic planters, dishes, vases, mugs and cups, luminaries, platters, pitchers and other handmade pottery.

In addition to the sale, visitors will be treated to demonstrations of wheel throwing and wood turning by volunteers of Willamette Art Center and the Willamette Valley Woodturners.