The fine arts of ceramics, food and music are merging at The Art House on Saturday, Nov. 16, for the Empty Bowls Event, raising funds to support Epic-Cure and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. The event is designed to combat the prevalence of food insecurity within the community by raising funds for organizations that work on the front lines and support locals in need.
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Art House, 3920 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach.
“Being able to host an event that helps organizations that make an impact on local hunger is such an honor,” said Melissa Noeth, owner of The Art House. “It’s important to recognize the reality that people living in your community may be unable to fill their bowls and provide nourishing meals for themselves and their families. I was inspired when I learned about the Empty Bowls project, which is an international movement to assist in alleviating hunger in local communities.”
At the Empty Bowls event, guests will select their own locally made ceramic bowls. The handmade bowls have been made in-studio by The Art House instructors and two volunteer artists. Guests can then fill their bowls with a tasty meal prepared by two beloved local chefs.
Chef Gaston Buschiazzo creates good food and good vibes at his café, Buena Onda, serving up scratch-made vegetarian and vegan dishes. Chef Barry Honan is the culinary force behind Lotus Noodle Bar. This bespoke, fine-dining establishment channels the simplicity of Japanese cuisine and fuses it with Chef Honan’s Michelin-star fine dining experience.
Tickets for the Empty Bowls fundraiser are $65 per person and include a handcrafted bowl, the meal and one beverage (beer, wine and nonalcoholic options are available). Tickets may be purchased at 904arthouse.com/upcomingevents/empty-bowls-event.
For those who cannot attend but still wish to show their support, donations may be made to Epic-Cure.org.
Local businesses that donated their time and talents to this cause include Buena Onda, Lotus Noodle Bar, Dog Rose Brewing Co., St Johns Illuminations, Laguna Clay, Tula Rose Floral Design and musician Jeremy Weinglass.
Since 2018, Epic-Cure has worked towards four core goals: eliminating food insecurity, ending food waste, cutting greenhouse gases and providing cooking classes to veterans and Title I school children. They have rescued and distributed more than 24 million pounds of food and provide groceries to approximately 7,700 families monthly.
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank provides grocery goods to individuals, families, seniors, veterans and those with disabilities living with food insecurity. They provide groceries to about 3,000 families and individuals every month.
The Art House offers art classes, workshops, team-building experiences, memberships, open studio and custom events. Located at 3920 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach, the studio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, go to 904arthouse.com and follow along on social media @904ArtHouse for upcoming holiday workshops.
