Judy Collins – if you’re reading this, the Clay Artisans of Moab would love for you to come by for dinner after your performance at the Moab Folk Festival, Saturday, Nov. 2.
The third annual Soup Bowl Fundraiser is scheduled to begin a tad earlier this year because some festivalgoers who came last year arrived a little early. Organizers were only half-joking at the prospect of the legendary folk singer with the pristine voice stopping by after the show.
A loose coalition referred to as the Clay Artisans of Moab (or CLAM) have been busy firing up their kilns and making handmade ceramic bowls for the annual fundraiser which supports Moab nonprofit organizations.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center, 111 E. 100 North, where hundreds of ceramic bowls of various sizes and glazes will be displayed. Attendees get to choose a bowl, and then soup is served between 5–7 p.m. Afterward you get to bring your ceramic bowl home. Any bowls leftover at the end of the evening will be sold at a reduced price.
Several local restaurants will donate a dozen different soups, plus bread, desserts and beverages for the event. Diners may sample more than one soup.
Last year’s event raised $10,000 for Seekhaven, a family crisis and resource center in Moab.
“It was a great success,” ceramicist Linn DeNesti said. “We sold out, serving the last drop of soup.”
This year there are 375 tickets available for presale. Organizers encourage people to buy their tickets early to this year’s event, which will support the Moab Free Health Clinic.
“It’s an old-Moab-feeling event,” DeNesti said. “It’s the community getting together to support a good cause.”
The event also includes a silent auction – comprised of all ceramic works, of course, including lidded jars, platters, mugs and other pottery.
Ceramicist Barb Gregoire had participated in similar soup bowl fundraisers in Steamboat Springs, Colo. before moving to Moab. In Steamboat, Gregoire recalled people leaving the event clutching their ceramic bowls.
“People were cherishing these bowls,” Gregoire said.
She and fellow clay artist Joanne Savoie decided to rally their colleagues to organize one in Moab, where the community has embraced the event, she said.
“You’d be amazed to see the quality of bowls we have this year,” Savoie said.
“We want to thank the Moab Folk Festival who let us put up a banner at the ball field. Maybe Judy Collins will come to have dinner with us.”
Tickets are $20 for people 12 and older; and $10 for children 5-11.
For more information, you may email linndenesti@gmail.com or call 206-226-6995.
Moab Free Health Clinic this year’s beneficiary of Soup Bowl Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 4:30–7 p.m.
Where: Moab Arts and Recreation Center, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: $20 for 12 and older; $10 for youth 5-11
Information: linndenesti@gmail.com or 206-226-6995
