COLUMN: Get ready to help by buying 'bowls' of hope

Some people believe soup tastes better in a pretty bowl. Some of these people also believe soup tastes better when their cost for the soup includes the bowl and a donation to the Food Pantry’s Bowls of Hope project.

Believing in this worthwhile project, Pat Kelly, teacher extraordinaire at the Venice Art Center, builds painting the bowls into her final project of the summer art camp.

Bowls of Hope is a Family Friendly Food Pantry project. This year, the event takes place on Nov. 10 at Ed Smith Stadium.

About 40 restaurants prepare soup, bread and desserts for ticket-holders to enjoy. Proceeds benefit the Food Pantry. For ticket information, visit the Bowls of Hope website at:

allfaithsfoodbank.org/bowlsofhope

The Venice Art Center is gearing up for its 2024-2025 season. The first Baila Miller lecture of the year is on Sept. 10. On Sept. 13, a reception will be held for the first exhibit of the new Art Center year.

Baila teaches art history, and her talks at the Art Center are usually sold out. Exhibit receptions are fun with music and snacks and opportunities to view and purchase lovely paintings and showcased items.

The boutique is always open with beautiful one-of-a-kind items created by local artists for sale. The Art Café is the perfect place for lunch or a snack.

The Venice Art Center is located at 390 Nokomis Avenue in Venice and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 941-485-7136 or visit VeniceArtCenter.com

The Venice Art Center offers opportunities for students of all ages to learn and grow.

One Of Our BestThe special person of this week is Pat Kelly. She has been teaching at the Venice Art Center for about 20 years. Her clay classes are always popular with everyone who wants to learn and enjoy the touch and feel of clay.

Creativity is encouraged in Pat’s classes. She is on-hand to help inspire the artists’ inner spirit.

The summer two-week Venice Art Center Summer Camp gave young artists a chance to explore shapes, designs and color. The Bowls of Hope introduced students to sharing their work and the joy of donating to a greater cause.

Students also enjoyed wearing some of the beads and necklaces they created.

Pat is a patient teacher. She is kind and motivating. She is one of the artists who makes Venice a great place to live.