On Dec. 1, and Dec. 2, Artists for A Better World (AFABW) took part in the 16th Annual Chili Bowl Fest and Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire at McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga.

In addition to delicious food, the Chili Bowl Fest was offered high-quality visual art. Talented musicians created an ambience that brought joy to those attending. The highlight for ticketholders was choosing from 1,200 handmade ceramic bowls then filling them with chili.

AFABW had a booth that attracted interest in the upcoming World Art Day Festival, now booked for April 28, 2019 at the McGroarty Arts Center. Artists and attendees filled out surveys to let organizers know what types of activities they would like at an arts festival. Ninety-five surveys were completed. One of the questions was, “Why do you think it is important for artists to unite to create a better world?” A common consensus is that artists create beauty and unity in the world.

Manning the booth at the Chili Bowl Fest were Barbara Cordova Oliver, founder of AFABW, Rebecca Mate, founder of Art Day, and Kathy Tollman, artist and new member. They not only worked at the booth but also sold their own art products. Tollman, who had never been to a fair like the Chili Bowl Fest, and was elated to sell her art. Mate sold five of her original paintings and Cordova Oliver sold her Mission of the Artist books.

Also helping were Cathy Morfopoulos and Bill Hurst, who handed out Drug Free World booklets. AFABW supports this vital education campaign, which combats worldwide drug abuse.

Among those who visited the AFABW booth were those involved in bettering the local community. These included Rock Swartz, senior volunteer with Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Liz Thompson of the Lions Club, Diane Bernstein, who teaches art classes to those with special needs, Pat Kramer, Region 1 representative of the local Neighborhood Council and others.

Swartz was especially grateful for AFABW.

“Great meeting you at McGroarty,” she emailed. “The event was one of the best I have attended. I even had one of the ladies climb those stairs and bring me a bowl of chili. Now that’s service!”

For more info on the group, visit artistsforabetterworld.org.

To find out how to participate in the April 28 World Art Day Festival, contact barbara@artistsforabetterworld.org.