Around the Valley: With Karen Huwe

I have been to the Walla Walla Pottery Studio several times with my sisters to paint items such as a spoon holder, a butter dish, and holiday plates. Learning different techniques has been fun, and painting is relaxing. At the studio, you pick the pottery, you paint it, they fire it, and you pick it up.

This time, the studio has relocated to the Walla Walla Senior Center – Center at the Park, at 720 Sprague in Walla Walla. I decided to support Helpline with its annual fundraiser, SoupPort, by painting and donating a bowl for the event.

On its website, Helpline states that they serve as the front door to help poor and homeless individuals and families in Walla Walla County. Helpline assists with basic needs and provides referrals to local social service agencies. All funds raised stay local.

Helpline and the Pottery Painting Studio are partnering to support the fundraiser SoupPort. At the studio, there is a selection of bowls to paint. I chose to paint a bowl; you can paint or sponsor a bowl for a local artist to paint. Bowls for the event cost $10.89 to sponsor or paint.

Bowls for the fundraiser can be painted through March and will be on display from April 9 to 15 at the Senior Center. The SoupPort, a soup and bread luncheon, will be held later in April. Attendees will enjoy soup in one of the donated keepsake bowls and have a chance to win prizes in a raffle.

Whether you choose to participate in SoupPort, or just want to choose a piece of pottery for yourself, drop by the Studio during its regular hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 -7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 3 p.m. Make something for yourself, as a gift, or for Helpline.