Making and eating soups made from the autumn harvest is usually a signal that fall is here. Tidal Arts Centre i s organizing an event called the Empty Bowl Initiative to raise money for the Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, on October 19, at the Carlson Community Club, beginning at 5 pm. Owner of Wildwood Pottery, and head of the ceramics department at Tidal Arts Centre, Shivann Gingras said the inspiration to bring soup and potters together for a good cause was Tidal founder Nancy Jeakins’s initiative after she attended an Empty Bowls event while overseas.
"Empty Bowls is an international initiative and the money raised is often donated to soup kitchens, food banks and other organizations that fight hunger," said Gingras. "In our [Tidal Arts Centre] case, 100 per cent of the proceeds will be going to our local food bank." More than 20 local potters are creating and donating bowls for the fundraiser that participants can keep.
Several restaurants and chefs, plus a cooking club, will be making a variety of vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups that people can choose from. Bread will also be provided by two hometown bakers. "Come grab a bowl first, and you can pick from your favorite local maker, or maybe a bowl that inspires you," said Gingras.
"Then, take your bowl up to whichever restaurant/chef that you want to try, so it's a great way to highlight some of our local cuisine and our local artists." Some soup makers participating may sound familiar, such as Wild So.
