Soup-porting the Arts

Photo by Jessica Ahles

Stomachs growled outside of the Molokai Community Health Center Saturday evening as a line started to form. Guests eagerly peered through windows to scope out the tables of ceramic bowls and pondered which soup to select.

The fourth annual Soup ‘R Bowl, held by the Molokai Arts Center (MAC), welcomed over 300 hungry guests for a night of fine art, food and entertainment, in support of the MAC and youth art programs.

Twelve of the MAC’s artists wheeled and hand built nearly 500 ceramic bowls in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures to fit the fancy of any taste, for any guest to take home with them.

“I’ve found the perfect bowl!” said attendee Cat Murray, proudly holding up an ash grey bowl with “Molokai” brushed on the side. “I’m so tickled to be here, I love the premise.”

For others, selecting the perfect bowl wasn’t so easy.

“I can’t stand it!” said another guest, Napua Burke. “There are too many nice bowls too choose from!”

Committing to a bowl may have been the hardest part for some, but there was no wrong answer choosing a soup that evening. This year’s menu included Portuguese Bean — a Maricel Kanemitsu recipe — Seafood Chowder, Chicken Papaya, and Curried Squash –crafted by Mikal Berry. Sourdough rolls, organic greens from Kumu Farms and Barking Deer Farm salad dressing were served on the side.

“I took my first bite and it was wonderful,” said Shirlee Newman over a hot bowl of Portuguese Bean soup. “It’s crazy to think in my 21 years of living here, I had never had Portuguese Bean soup, but now I’m a fan.”

The musical stylings of Kanoho Helm and Kala Bishaw-Juario set the mood for a stunning sunset as guests enjoyed full bellies and a pleasant night of art.