The Crawford-Parker family of Lawrence chooses some bowls at Souper Bowl Saturday, a decades-old Lawrence Arts Center fundraiser. From left are Doug Crawford-Parker, his wife Sarah and their daughter Isabella, 7. The event featured unique bowls created by artists, many of whom participated in the National Juried Ceramics Exhibition and Symposium during October at the center, 940 N.H. Soup for the bowls came with the purchase price.

Molly Fyler, left, and her mother, Linda Fyler, pick out bowls to purchase at Souper Bowl Saturday. The money from the fundraiser will help the city's arts center produce events like the National Juried Ceramics Exhibition and Symposium, which was conducted in October.

It was Dave Van Hee’s big debut. The local artist, who usually makes jewelry, aluminum masks and paintings, is new to the world of ceramics, and he was excited to display his work at the Lawrence Arts Center’s annual Souper Bowl Saturday.

Van Hee donated about 20 pieces, which he began making shortly after Christmas.

“My technical ability only allowed me to make (smaller pieces), and those are clunky for the most part,” he said. Still, the world of ceramics offers infinite possibilities for creativity, Van Hee said.

The event drew hundreds of people, who gathered in the basement of the arts center. After perusing the nearly 600 bowls, cups, platters and candlesticks donated by artists, people lined up for a serving of hot tomato dill or beef vegetable soup.

Some pieces were the smooth product of expert sculptors, and others were the lumpy result of beginners just finding their stride. All were hot commodities.

“It’s kind of fun to make things like bowls and cups that can be used,” Van Hee said.

Ben Ahlvers, assistant education director at the arts center, said about 200 people lined up to enter the building before the event began at 11 a.m. He said artists – ranging from local artists to Free State High School students – donated ceramic pieces, many of which were designed during October’s National Juried Ceramics Exhibition and Symposium, which was also at the arts center.

Ahlvers expected the event to raise at least $5,000 for the arts center, funds that will be used to produce events like October’s symposium.

“It is a big deal for the ceramics department,” he said. “They’re bowls you’re not going to find here in Lawrence, that’s for sure.”

Prices for the bowls increased this year, from the previous suggested donation of $10. Ahlvers said he was embarrassed that such quality items were being sold for so little, so some pieces cost as much as $30.

Lawrence resident Beth Krishtalka was looking for bowls to hold orchids at her home.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for years,” she said. “I’m really glad the arts center does this. It’s a great way to share art with the community.”

The imperfections of some items attracted the eye of Lawrence resident Brenda Harrington.

“They’re just unique little pieces and they’re not perfect,” said Harrington, who came with her daughter, Haley, 17. They were using the morning as a foil to Sunday’s Super Bowl, which Harrington’s husband was preparing for.

She said the exhibit inspired her to learn more about ceramics.

“Some of it makes me want to come in and take a class,” she said.