WHITE SALMON — Handcrafted bowls of all sizes, shapes and colors lined the tables at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser during the fifth annual White Salmon Art Walk on May 16. The pieces for purchase, each $15, were created and donated by White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) 7-12 graders.
After attendees selected a bowl — designs ranged from glazed cherries and geometric patterns to mini-humanoids with clay feet and eyes — soup was provided by Everybody’s Brewing, Henni’s Kitchen and Bar and the White Salmon Bakery, which also supplied fresh bread.
Ashley Nalevanko and Kelsey Lemon at the Empty Bowls fundraiser.
Emma Renly photo
“It’s really nice because someone else can enjoy the piece I worked hard on; the money that’s being raised is going to a good cause,” said Carley DuBree, a freshman at Columbia High School. For the fundraiser, she crafted a colorful watermelon bowl with raised seeds in the center.
Her art pieces, as well as other students’ pieces, were hung from the walls and set up on tables throughout the auditorium, while the elementary students showcased art at their school just down the street.
Empty Bowls, now in its second year, is organized and run by WSVSD art teachers Ashley Nalevanko, Kelsey Lemon and Stephenie Going. All proceeds were donated to the non-profit Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), totaling $1,745 in 2026.
Volunteers Amanda Kitchings, Erin Erickson and Tara Jepson help serve soup and bread.
Emma Renly photo
Bowls on bowls on bowls.
Emma Renly photo
“WAGAP is a natural fit. They’re a huge pillar in our community, supporting students in our school and other community members,” Nalevanko said. “We wanted to further support that mission and help provide healthy, fresh food for our community.”
Nalevanko pointed out that in the Gorge, despite farms growing vegetables and other produce along the valleys, many individuals lack access to fresh, affordable food. As part of the curriculum, she shares with students what defines a food desert and food insecurity, and how WAGAP addresses that.
WAGAP programming currently includes four food banks between Klickitat and Skamania counties, a mobile food bank and monthly food boxes.
This year, the clay and glazes were contributed from the White Salmon Arts Council, and local artist Ian Jones demonstrated using the pottery wheel, though the majority of students’ bowls were handbuilt. The kiln was also donated to Columbia High School from the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation in 2025.
Mr. Vincent, an elementary school STEM teacher, enjoys the spring leek and chickpea soup in his new bowl.
Emma Renly photo
“It’s a great way to teach our students about the power of art making to better our community,” Lemon said. “I think that seeing that their art can actually help people has had a really big impact on them.”
Lemon added that the turnout was better than she could have imagined. Next year, the plan is to add clay cups to the mix of bowls.
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