Walk In Art Center Celebrates 5th Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser

The Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven hosted its fifth annual Souper Bowl on February 6, 2026, bringing together approximately 150 attendees for a unique culinary and artistic experience. Participants paid $28 to select a handcrafted bowl made by local potters, which they filled with their choice of four delicious soups: Italian Wedding, Chicken Corn Noodle, Broccoli Cheddar, and Potato Leek.

Executive Director Jacqueline Engel announced that the event raised $2,500, which will directly support the center’s Clay Haven Pottery program. The annual Souper Bowl has become a beloved tradition, showcasing the skills of local artisans who prepare for the event by crafting a variety of glazed bowls throughout the year.

Among the potters, Gigi Marlatt, who created about 50 bowls for the event, shared her journey into pottery, which began during her time at Blue Mountain High School. She described the process of creating a bowl on the potter’s wheel, which takes about half an hour. However, the entire process, including firing and glazing, can span several weeks.

Another potter, Cindy Becker, a lifelong enthusiast who became interested in pottery while at Hamburg High School, emphasized the effort involved in “throwing” bowls. She noted the physical demands of the craft, highlighting the dedication required to produce quality ceramic pieces.

The Souper Bowl featured over 100 bowls in various shapes and colors, displayed prominently in the center’s third-floor gallery. Coinciding with the first Friday of the month, the Walk In Art Center also incorporated two other events into the program: the Wild & Wooly fabric arts exhibit and the Coffee House Cabaret.

The Fiber Arts Guild showcased its award-winning weavers, known as the BAAAhd Girls and The BAAAhd Company, who recently received accolades at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The BAAAhd Girls secured third place for the second consecutive year, while The BAAAhd Company achieved an impressive eighth place in their debut at the Sheep To Shawl competition.

Master weaver Lorraine Felker, who serves as the president of the Fiber Arts Guild, explained the intricate design process behind the winning shawl, “Purple Mountain Majesty.” She detailed the eight design variations that culminated in this award-winning piece, illustrating the depth of creativity within the fiber arts community.

The ongoing exhibit featuring the Fiber Arts Guild will remain on display throughout the month, concluding with the “Ewes & Yarns” exhibit at the inaugural Fiber Faire. Additionally, the Coffee House Cabaret provided a lively atmosphere, featuring performances by the Open Roads Crew, who entertained guests with a mix of classic rock and country music.

For those interested in future events at the Walk In Art Center, additional information can be found at their official website, walkinartcenter.org. The Souper Bowl not only highlights local artistry but also fosters community engagement, making it a cherished event in Schuylkill Haven’s cultural calendar.