By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

It’s just a little play on words but it has turned out to be a very successful fundraiser for art programs and workshops at the 5.4.7 Arts Center in Greensburg since 2016. It is the Soup-In-Your-Bowl event that brings local Greensburg folk into the art museum after church on Super Bowl Sunday for a some great-tasting soup and a free pottery bowl to take home before the big game.

“We put out 110 bowls this year,” said Arts Center Co-Director Kelly Askew. “People come in, pick out a bowl, fill it with soup, all for a freewill donation, and generally enjoy visiting and a little pre-game chatter before heading home.”

Some people come straight from church still dressed up, others come in jeans and game-day shirts, it’s all a fun casual affair, made possible by the dedication of local potter artist Stacey Barnes, who also happens to be the Greensburg City Manager.

“Stacey starts working on bowls in fall. She has her own studio now, calls it her sweat shop,” Askew said. “There are some others who have learned how to make the bowls from her, and they contribute a few, but I would say Stacey still makes and donates 97 percent of the bowls.”

Askew said that a local support group of community members comes in and helps glaze the bowls after they are fired, and then volunteers make and donate the soups available on the big day.

“This year we had potato, chili, chicken noodle, and chicken enchilada soup for people to chose from,” Askew said. “No one went away hungry. They were all very good.”

Askew said the next event at the 5.4.7 Arts Center is a Lori Jones drawing workshop. Jones, a western-themed artist grew up in the high deserts of Colorado and currently lives in Lake City, Kansas. She will give a two-day workshop on February 22 and 23, cost per participant $200 includes all supplies needed. To register for this event call the Arts Center at 620-723-2600, or email Askew at 547artscenteroffice@gmail.com.