It was tough to find a venue for The Food Depot's annual Empty Bowls Project last year — so tough that the organization was unable to hold one of its favorite fundraisers.

"Last year, we had to cancel," said Sherry Hooper, The Food Depot's executive director. "So many people are thrilled that we're having it this year."

The event — which features the sale of beautiful bowls created by local artists and soup from local restaurants — will be held at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design's Alumni Hall from noon to 5 p.m. today. Tickets are $5 at the door, and bowls can be purchased for $15. Guests can choose from hundreds of pots donated by local artists this year, Hooper said.

She did note that one of the favorite potters of the event — Bari Lovewave — will take a much-needed break from creating bowls for the event this year, but "I expect that she's going to come and volunteer the day of the event."

Five restaurants — Amavi, Tribes Coffee House, Walter Burke Catering, Rio Chama and New York Deli — have donated soup for the event. Music will be provided free of charge by the Kumusha Women's Marimba Ensemble,.

Though Rio Chama has participated in The Food Depot's biggest fundraiser, the Souper Bowl, for many years, this is the first time the downtown restaurant will donate food for The Empty Bowls Project. It is among several first-timers at the event. Walter Burke Catering has participated in the project all 11 years.

"We've worked really hard to establish good relationships with the restaurants — they're in the food business, just like us," Hooper said with a laugh. "Many of the restaurants participating this year I met through the Souper Bowl as well. The restaurant community really supports The Food Depot and the work that we do."

Hooper said she's also very grateful for the local artists who participate.

"If it weren't for our local potters, we wouldn't be able to have the event," Hooper said, adding that the art aspect of the event is what people love most.

"I think people love the fact that they can pick up some absolutely beautiful bowls created by local potters for a very small price. People who come every year go right to the bowls that were created by their favorite potter."

The Souper Bowl generally draws about 1,200 people, but The Empty Bowls Project is a bit more intimate. The average attendance is somewhere between 500 and 600 people, and the last time the event was held in 2009, it drew about 700 people, a number Hooper said is nearly double the attendance at the first event.

The event also includes a silent auction, featuring artwork donated by potters who also donated bowls, Hooper said.

"The Empty Bowls Project engages new people in the battle against hunger," Hooper said. "It gives an opportunity for local artists to get involved in the work that we do."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.