Teva, Lori and Heather at Manna's Empty Bowls

I just got back from Manna Food Bank‘s Empty Bowls luncheon.  The word is that for every $20 (which was the cost of a ticket), Manna can provide 60 meals for families.  And, the place was packed! My guess was that in our group (there are two groups throughout the day) there were about 400 people.

12 Bones, Corner Kitchen, Cucina 24, Table and the Double Tree provided delicious soups.  West End Bakery, Atlanta Bread Company, Well-bred Bakery, City Bakery, Panera Bread provided bread.  The Imagine/Render Group is a non-profit that supports Empty Bowls projects across the country to end hunger.  If you are interested in planning an event, they can help.

And, Lori Theriault and Heather Tinnaro, two locally-based ceramic artists, were on-site making bowls in the lobby of the Double Tree.  Student artists from multiple schools and individual artists from across the region also donated.  Lori gave me and my friend Teva (also a ceramic artist) a try at the foot propelled wheel.  My quads are going to be sore tomorrow.

Area artists are often called upon to donate items for auctions or to give back to our area non-profits.  I’d like to give a big thank you to those artists who give what they can for our community.  Many thanks for your investments in our community and for worthy causes.  I welcome creative ideas for partnerships that are mutually beneficial.  Please leave them in the comment section.

For instance: Mountain Housing Opportunities commissions artists to make objects for their “Doors of Asheville” event.  So, artists are paid a stipend for their piece–below retail value as it is a fundraiser for the affordable housing non-profit.  When the pieces are auctioned, if they go for more than the retail value, the artist also gets a piece of that commission.

Any other good ideas for synergistic partnerships?