Locally handcrafted gifts that support a good cause bring extra joy to both the giver and recipient. This year, Barnabas will again launch its online marketplace, so that you may shop for those special items from the safety and comfort of your home.
The Empty Bowls Marketplace (BiddingOwl.com/BarnabasCenter) features more than 100 bowls painted by Nassau County residents who donated their time and talents, as well as the work of seven talented artists–Stephen Heywood, Billie McCray, Michael Fay, Robin Bruck-Tanner, Lis Krawiecki, Tim Bullard and Barbara Koontz.
“Because this year’s Empty Bowls luncheon will again be an all drive-thru experience, we launched this site to give everyone an opportunity to shop for bowls and other artisan gifts. This effort will also support Barnabas Center’s initiatives to combat hunger,” said Empty Bowls 2021 Chairperson Liza Cotter.
“It’s a great feeling to know that your gift purchase is supporting such an important cause,” Cotter added. “When you shop on the Empty Bowls Marketplace site, not only does the person on your shopping list benefit, but those on the receiving end of Barnabas Center services also get the support they need. I think we can all get behind that.”
About our Online Site
Local artisans and volunteers spent many hours painting and crafting bowls to feature on the online site. Amelia Makery (AmeliaMakery.com) hosted paint parties, then glazed and fired more than 1,000 bowls. Local photographer, Lynn Tennille, (lynntennillephotography.shootproof.com) spent many hours photographing the bowls for the online auction site.
Launching on October 1, the Empty Bowls Marketplace (BiddingOwl.com/BarnabasCenter) will allow shoppers to bid on items or buy them outright. The online marketplace will close on November 26th. Purchased items will be available for pickup at Barnabas Center on December 7th and 16th from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on the front breezeway. Additional bowls will also be for sale those dates and will make wonderful holiday gifts.
Why Barnabas Needs Empty Bowls
The Empty Bowls drive-thru event will be November 12th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Local musicians will provide entertainment along the drive-thru route. In addition, each guest will receive the traditional Empty Bowls meal to take home, along with a hand-painted bowl. For more information and to purchase tickets for this year’s Empty Bowls event, click below:
As the major safety net organization for Nassau County residents in need, Barnabas Center is on the front line of helping residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Services offered to Nassau County residents with low to moderate incomes include food assistance, financial assistance, and medical and dental care. For more information about Barnabas’ programs, please visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.
The photos above are taken by Lynn Tennille. The photos feature examples of the hundreds of pieces of artwork that will be available on the Empty Bowls Marketplace. Featured above are (top-to-bottom) ‘Oceans Away’ 4-piece bowl set (8″ x 2.25″) painted especially for the Barnabas Empty Bowl event and fired by Amelia Makery; a shore bird (19″ tall. 6″ wide); made from African fabric by local artist Billie McCray; and a bowl (5″ x 4″) by ceramic artist Stephen Heywood.
