Empty Bowls
Monday, November 10, 2025
11am – 6pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
About the Event
Empty Bowls is going to look a little different this year as MANNA rallies around the artists and culinary partners that have made Empty Bowls possible for over 20 years!
What we know: Our WNC artisan and culinary communities were greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene and continue to recover. For decades, these dear friends have made it possible for MANNA to hold our wildly successful annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. This year, we’re calling on our large and loyal following of Empty Bowls attendees to support these local artists and culinary partners.
What we’re doing about it: We’re inviting you to be a part of our 23rd Annual Empty Bowls party! With the generosity of our host sponsor, DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore, and our incredible event sponsors, we’ll have a big day of community and fun and supporting these incredible local artists and businesses that have given so much to MANNA over the years. Here’s what you can expect:
- RSVP and make a donation to MANNA to receive a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted bowl rescued from MANNA’s Swannanoa River Road facility after Hurricane Helene (these bowls are limited to the first 200 RSVPs with donation)
- Get a jump on holiday shopping from 20+ Featured Artists and Culinary Partners – all local and long-time supporters of MANNA and Empty Bowls
- Enjoy raffles, snacks, beverages, and a fun celebration of our incredibly resilient community!
Tickets: This year’s event is free to attend but RSVP is strongly encouraged.
FAQs
Is it really free to attend this year?
Yes! Please spread the word – we want this to be a big turnout for these wonderful local artists. You can DOWNLOAD THIS FLYER to share with friends, neighbors, or post on a community bulletin board.
What will artists be selling?
20+ Featured Artists will be displaying for sale their pottery, ceramic arts, functional and decorative pieces, and even a long-time jewelry maker!
But what about the soup?!
We’re giving our Culinary Partners the year off so there will be no soup this year. But pack a cooler! Our dear friends at Red Fiddle Vittles will be at the event with a pop-up shop selling their delicious frozen soups, stews, and other goodies, with a portion of sales coming back to MANNA.
Will there be a Collector’s Corner this year?
There will not be a Collector’s Corner this year. Instead, we will have a handful of special works of high-end craft and art at a Silent Auction. Silent Auction items are gallery-quality pieces selected by the artists and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to supporting MANNA’s mission of ending hunger in WNC.
What if I bought a ticket in 2024?
Hurricane Helene blew through just two weeks before we were scheduled to have Empty Bowls in 2024. We initially hoped to reschedule, but as the widespread devastation revealed itself over weeks and months, it became evident we would be unable to do so. At the time, MANNA offered refunds on tickets purchased. We were grateful for how many of you asked us to use your ticket purchase as a donation, which helped us meet the community’s immediate food needs following the storm. We’re starting fresh this year, but if you still wish to receive a refund for your 2024 Empty Bowls ticket purchase, please email donatefunds@mannafoodbank.org so that we can begin the process (may take 30-60 days).
Our Featured Artists: The Backbone of Empty Bowls
For more than 20 years, MANNA has been fortunate to have incredible support from experienced potters and ceramic artists who help create the vibrant arts and crafts community in Western North Carolina. Here are the potters whose works you’ll find at Empty Bowls from year to year, many of whom will be Featured Artist Vendors at this years’ event (marked with an asterisk):
Erika Arroyo, The Laughing Potter *
Denise Baker, Denise Baker Pottery
John Britt, John Britt Pottery
Eirene Burnette, IyaBlu’ Inc.
Honey Burrell, Dancing Leaves Pottery
Julie Calhoun-Roepnack, JCR Designs *
Annie Clingenpeel
Tisha Cook, Odyssey ClayWorks
Mike and Hilary Hatch, Crucible Glass Works *
Jerry Edminson
Ron “Grumpy” Edwards
Paul Frehe, Odyssey ClayWorks
Terri Friday, Terri Friday Pottery
Karen Frye, Butler Mountain Crafts *
Barbara Gerber
Paul Gisondo
Givens Estate, Givens Estate Pottery Studio *
KC Hart, White Stag Woods *
Anne Jerman, Dragonfly Studio
Sue Salvaterra Hintz, Salvaterra Pottery
Elaine Karpen, Reems Creek Pottery
Robin Katz *
Laura Kaufman, Mud High Pottery
Steve Kearns, Homeplate Pottery *
Bobbie Kelston, Lighten Up Designs *
Gabriel Kline and The Odyssey Artists Community, Odyssey ClayWorks *
Elfy Kornfeld, Elfy Kornfeld Pottery *
Elaine Lacy, Under The Oaks Pottery
Beth and Rob Mangum, Mangum Pottery
Jim McDowell, The Black Potter
Robert Milnes, Robert Milnes Studio *
Peg Morar, Peg Morar Pottery
Shirl and Jim Parmentier, Parmentier Pottery
Joan Pennington, Mud Addict *
Rhona Polonsky, Rhona Polonsky Pottery
Diane Puckett, Dry Ridge Pottery
Carolina Rojas, Cariku Art Lab *
Tia Sculpt, Tia Sculpt Ceramics *
Rachel Smith, Pottery by Rachel at Reems Creek Pottery
Marianne Soufas, Marianne Soufas Pottery
Lori Theriault, Crazy Green Studios *
Helen Wiltsey, Helen Earth Studio *
* Featured Artist Vendor at the 2025 Empty Bowls event
About the Event Sponsors
MANNA deeply appreciates the support of our Empty Bowls sponsors. These sponsors share our vision of a hunger-free WNC, and are investing in that vision through their support of Empty Bowls.
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