Imagine live music drifting through the air, the irresistible aroma of savory soups, stews, and freshly made donuts wafting from every direction, tables lined with one-of-a-kind handmade bowls, and people coming together for the evening, united by something greater than themselves. That’s the magic of Empty Bowls McKinney’s annual event that brings art, community, and food together to fight hunger—one bowl at a time.
While Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists around the world to raise money for food-related charities, Empty Bowls McKinney’s event is unique. Instead of a limited-seating fundraiser, the entire community is invited to their festival-type event held outdoors. The event—which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year—has typically been on the Square in Downtown McKinney, but courthouse renovations necessitated a new location, so this year’s event will be at Tupps Brewery on April 23rd from 6-8 p.m.
The $35 ticket entry price includes the attendee’s choice of a unique cereal-sized bowl to take home, live music by Pat Harrigan, and delicious food provided by local venders, including title sponsor Blount Fine Foods, Tupps Brewery, Bernard’s Gourmet Food, Hugs Café, Harvest at the Masonic, Rick’s Chophouse, Local Yocal, Patina Green, Donut NV, the Celt, and Hevnly Eats. Enjoy all types of food that fits in a bowl—soups, stews, mac and cheese, and crowd favorite donut holes.
“It’s like a mini Taste of McKinney,” says Becky Aly, Empty Bowls McKinney Co-Director and Vender Coordinator. “And we couldn’t do it without all our wonderful sponsors.”
However, the bowls themselves are the star of the show, with 1200-1500 to choose from, all donated by world-renowned artists, local artists, art students, and pottery hobbyists. Empty Bowls McKinney partners with Make Expressions, Jump into Art, and Glaze Ceramic Studio, who hold workshops leading up to the event for people who want to make or paint a bowl to donate (or keep). Walls of Clay in McKinney sells kits to paint pottery at home. Then there are the premier, upscale bowls—those crafted by professional artists—which are for sale in the Limited Edition tent and featured in a silent auction. Guests can also opt to buy one of only 65 Collector’s Club tickets, which provides early admission and access to the gallery, featuring the top artisan crafted bowls.
“We’re lucky that McKinney has such a big art community,” says Molly Jones, Empty Bowls McKinney Co-Director and Sponsorship Chair.
The take-home bowls are also a reminder that 12% of Collin County, including one in six children, face food insecurity. Each bowl contains a prayer card and quote from a past beneficiary that drives home the point that this is more than a fun event—it’s life-changing. All funds raised (typically over $80,000) support local organizations that address food insecurity, including the Community Garden Kitchen, McKinney Little Free Pantry, Samaritan Inn Food Pantry, and Community Food Pantry McKinney.
Visit emptybowlsmckinney.com for more information.
Each bowl contains a prayer card and quote from a past beneficiary that drives home the point that this is more than a fun event—it’s life-changing.