Warming Up at the Souper Bowl

On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos will face off for the biggest football event of the year. While some fans will spend the Saturday before stocking up on guacamole, the locals will be warming up with a tastier, lesser known event: the Artistic Roots Souper Bowl.

In its 12th year, the Souper Bowl features breads, homemade desserts, and 27 all-you-can-eat soups from local restaurants. A $25 ticket will also include a bowl handmade by a local potter. A raffle will feature hats, jewelry, paintings, photographs, wood work, and more. Attendees can vote for their favorite soup and enjoy live music by PSU guitar teacher Jim Alba.

“I think it’s really popular with the community,” said Suzan Gannett, president of Artistic Roots. “We offer beautiful bowls.”

One of the participating potters is Sue Tucker, who used to teach ceramics at Plymouth State. She joined the Artistic Roots Co-Op in 2009. “I like pottery because it is an art form that combines function with beauty and tactile appeal,” said Tucker. “I try to make clay vessels and containers that are pleasant to see, to touch and to use.”

Susan Hencke, over at Sweetgrass Pottery, has been potting for about six years. She received degrees in engineering and business, and worked in Aerospace Development for 28 years. She got involved with Artistic Roots two and a half years ago. “Being able to sell locally is inspiring and part of the current philosophy of shopping local,” she said.

Hencke fires small batches in an electric kiln, so each piece is unique. “My pottery is sort of known for funky glaze combinations. I like to force glaze into the overlap areas to enhance the dripping effects,” she said.

For those who just come for the soup, tickets are $20 without the bowl (children under six eat free). Soup will be served up from local restaurants and community members, including Main Street restaurants Thai Smile, Six Burner Bistro, The Lucky Dog, Burrito Me, and M&M Scoops.

Money from the event helps support the Artistic Roots Co-Op, a non-profit organization that that allows artists to sell their work and keep the majority of the sales price. Artistic Roots also offers community classes and donates to other local non-profits.

The Souper Bowl takes place on Feb. 6 from 3–6 p.m. at the Plymouth Senior Center. Attendees can buy tickets and pick out a bowl at Artistic Roots Gallery on Main Street.

CLOCK PHOTO/ALICE REED