Great Bowls of Fire is one of Ottawa’s most unique annual community events hosted by the Ottawa Potters Guild. It is foremost a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank, all the potters donate their bowls and the restaurants involved donate soup and bread. The concept is simple but special — attendees choose a handmade ceramic bowl created by local artists to take home along with some portions of soup from local restauraunts and cafes. Last year, $18,000 was raised for the Ottawa Food Bank!
In this vlog, my wife K and I visit the 2026 edition of the event to explore the incredible pottery on display, pick out our favourite bowls, and experience the atmosphere of this creative Ottawa tradition.
My mother is very active with the London, Ontario Potters Guild, so our family has always had an appreciation for handmade ceramics and the artists who create them.
Events like Great Bowls of Fire are a great reminder of how much care and creativity goes into each piece. Walking through the tables filled with unique bowls made by local artists was a lot of fun, and it made choosing just one bowl to take home surprisingly difficult!
Events like Great Bowls of Fire highlight the strength of Ottawa’s local arts scene. The combination of handmade craft, community gathering, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a great event for anyone interested in supporting local artists, charities and experiencing something a little different in the city.
Watch the full vlog from the 2026 Great Bowls of Fire event below.:
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