As with many events and fundraisers in the age of the pandemic, the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser had to take on a different look and feel for 2021. We stopped by where all of the action and organizing culminated on Thursday, 2/25 at both the Craven Arts Council & Gallery, as well as Temple Church in New Bern.

We got a tour at Craven Arts from Gallery Director Dara Morgan, who showed us a number of the original works on display available, which stretch across a broad spectrum from what you might consider ‘traditional’ to the more cartoonish and unique.

We spoke via phone to Craven Arts Council Executive Director Jonathan Burger, who explained the origins of the building currently housing the Craven Arts

Jonathan also gave us some insight into how the Empty Bowls concept came to Eastern North Carolina

 

While the pandemic did change the approach taken to Empty Bowls for 2021, it also showed the resilience of Eastern North Carolina when it comes to supporting local charities and still observing safe social norms

The money raised by Empty Bowls helps out multiple community outreach programs and leaves those that made a contribution with a one-of-a-kind piece of crafted artwork in the process

If you’d like to stop by the Craven Arts Council & Gallery, located at the Bank of the Arts building at 317 Middle St. in New Bern, you can check out thier rotating line up of works while supporting the local art community.