Beginning in March, potters started arriving in the ceramics room of the Sedona Arts Center every Thursday afternoon, ready to go to work on another batch of handcrafted bowls under the tutelage of instructor Dennis Ott. Over in the Village of Oak Creek, the Verde Valley School ceramics department was busy doing the same thing. The culmination of these efforts is the return of Loving Bowls, which takes place Dec. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sedona Arts Center. More than 1,000 bowls will be sold for $10 each with proceeds benefiting three area nonprofits: the Sedona Community Center, the Sedona Community Food Bank and the education programs at the Sedona Arts Center. Since Loving Bowls returned five years ago, it has raised more than $50,000.
Loving Bowls also includes a silent auction featuring art from more than 30 prominent Sedona artists. Local sculptor John M. Soderberg has created a piece specifically for the auction. Chef Rick Kimberly from the Sedona Community Center will prepare several different types of chili (the food bank is providing the ingredients) and there will be homemade sweets for everyone to sample. The entire event is underwritten by the Kling Foundation, which means 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the three organizations. Last year, 150 people were lined up outside the arts center before Loving Bowls even began, and more than 500 attendees snatched up 900-plus bowls, says Dennis. Art lovers were seen leaving the event holding as many as 10 or 15 bowls. In other words, arrive early.
“This is a blue-collar community event where you can help out our nonprofits without buying a $100 ticket to a gala,” says Dennis. “Even if you don’t buy a bowl, you can stop by for some chili and dessert. It’s just a feel-good event that encourages us to come together as a community. What better time to do that then the holiday season?” – Erika Ayn Finch
