Not much beats a warm bowl of soup on a cool fall day, and that has been keeping people coming back to the Penticton Art Gallery’s Soup Bowls Project fundraiser.
“We have had people line up an hour and a half before the event begins so they get first in line,” said Glenn Clark, art preparor at the Penticton Art Gallery. “They are waiting out in the rain and that is quite incredible. Everyone has so much fun that it sells out every single year.”
The 16th annual Soup Bowls Project takes place on Nov. 9 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and soup served from 7 to 9 p.m. Every person receives a hand-crafted bowl created by the Penticton Potters’ Guild and unlimited soup from the featured chefs.
“This year is going to be a record amount of soups. The popularity keeps growing and I think it is because of the competition. It is good camaraderie between the chefs who generously donate their time to the event,” said Clark.
Those at Soup Bowls will get to vote on their favourite soup and the wining chef will be presented with an award. Wines will also be served from Hester Creek and Cannery Brewery will also be pouring their beer. Entertainment will be courtesy of the Darylectones. Clark said there is such a variety in soups that there is something for everyone, whether they are a vegetarian or eat gluten-free.
“It is a heck of feast. You are walking into a soup competition and then you get a piece of art, which is the bowl that you choose at the beginning of the night. Every bowl is unique and is wonderful to look at when you get 200 bowls set up on three tables,” said Clark.
Those attending are welcome to browse the gallery walls and the Under $300 exhibit which will open that evening. The Penticton Art Gallery invites visual artists working in all disciplines to submit up to three original works of art for the annual sale until Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
“It is a nice way for people to come out of the woodwork and show where they don’t have the opportunity to show their work. It is quite exciting to see what the art community is doing outside these gallery walls. Every year I am surprised by some things that are nicely done and good quality work,” said Clark.
Tickets to the Soup Bowls Project are $35 for members and $40 for non-members
