Upper Valley Empty Bowls Gala and Artist Bowl Auction set for March

PESHASTIN - The Upper Valley Empty Bowls (UVEB) Festival, now in its 28th year, continues its tradition of uniting art, community, and charity. The event, known for gathering local artists, restaurants, and community members, serves donated soup and bread to raise funds for the Community Cupboard Food Bank under Upper Valley MEND (Meeting Each Need with Dignity).

The Artist Bowl Auction is a highlight of the festival, which runs online from March 10 at 8:00 am to March 20 at 10:00 pm. This year, twenty-one unique bowls and platters crafted by local artists and potters will be auctioned at www.uvemptybowls.org. The collection includes ceramic serving bowls, platters, a wood-turned bowl by Scot Brower, an etched glass bowl by Teri Zimmerman, hand-made mugs by Momi Palmieri, and more, featuring various designs. These pieces are also available for immediate purchase with a "buy it now" price. Historically, the auction has significantly contributed to the festival's proceeds, raising over $7,000 annually for the Community Cupboard, with $1,000 supporting art grants for local youth.

The Upper Valley Empty Bowls Artist Showcase and Gala will take place on Sunday, March 3, from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Icicle Ridge Winery in Peshastin. The event offers an evening of art, wine, appetizers, and music, providing an opportunity to meet the artists behind the bowls. Admission is a suggested $40 donation at the door. Attendees can view the bowls, participate in a live auction, and enter raffles.

The auction bowls will also be displayed in Leavenworth shop windows, including Benchmark Jewelers, Der Sportsmann, Inside & Out, Icicle Ridge Winery, and others, starting in early March. These pieces will also be featured at the March 21 Soup Supper at the Leavenworth Festhalle, allowing the community to view the artwork while enjoying a communal meal.