By Mary O’KEEFE

t was chili and crafts last weekend at the 14thAnnual Chili Bowl Fest and Art and Craft Faire at McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga. Those who wanted a specially crafted bowl did not take it home empty; with each purchase of a $15 bowl the new owner could get it filled with a variety of recipes of chili and even mac-n-cheese. After patrons got their bowls of chili they could sit down and enjoy live music that was fun and entertaining.

The Faire had rows and rows of unique items for sale from one-of-a-kind jewelry to colorful glassware.

The event was a fundraiser for McGroarty Arts Center, which offers classes that range from yoga to guitar lessons and, of course, ceramics.

McGroarty Arts Center was founded in 1953 and was the home of John Steven McGroarty. In the early 1900s, McGroarty began writing for the L.A. Times and authored a weekly column, “Seen from the Green Verdugo Hills.” He wrote poems and plays. McGroarty and his wife did not have children and willed the property to a niece who sold it to the City of Los Angeles. In 1970, it was declared a City of Los Angeles historic-cultural monument.

For those who would like more information or would like to donate to McGroarty Arts Center, visit www.mcgroartyartscenter.org or call (818) 352-5285.

  Mary Okeefe