POULSBO — For those that like to paint and like helping local charities, Fishline has just the activity for folks this weekend.

To face the “ongoing and increasing needs of people who use Fishline for food,” North Kitsap Fishline Food Bank has started a new fundraiser: Empty Bowls.

In January, Fishline will host a fundraising lunch, where hand-painted bowls with soup will be offered for a donation. And Fishline is asking local residents to find their inner artist and decorate these bowls.

This Saturday, during the monthly Poulsbo Art Walk, four galleries in downtown Poulsbo will be open later, to allow people the space and creative inspiration to paint.

“Come down and help feed [your] neighbors,” said Caroline Perisho, fundraising chair for Fishline Board of Directors. “It’s a very fun activity for your family, kids, yourself. It’s creative, social  and at the same time you’re helping people.”

She added, “Our neighbors (are) coming in now asking for food. So many more families are needing food.”

Perisho first partnered with Susan Butler, owner of Indy Studio, to provide the bowls and the space for people to paint. Butler, whose sister previously worked at Fishline, said she was excited to help out.

“Everyone here is so supportive of Fishline. I have people who come in and have no idea how to paint,” Butler said. “But they hear it’s for Fishline and they want to do it.”

Verksted, Front Street and Blue Water galleries will join Indy Studio Saturday from 5-8 p.m. People can also watch local artists paint bowls before they join in.

Perisho said she heard of the idea from a high school fundraiser in Michigan and became inspired. She even asked the ceramics class at North Kitsap High School to pitch in, which they agreed.

And for those that can’t make it this Saturday, Indy Studio will continue to offer the materials and space until all 250 bowls are painted. Fishline is asking for a $3 donation for the bowls, and Butler said the painting usually takes an hour.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser will take place Jan. 28 at Gateway Fellowship Church from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For $15, participants will get to keep their hand-painted bowl with soup, and there will be an auction for some bowls painted by local artists.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Perisho said.

The monthly Poulsbo Art Walk is along Front Street in downtown Poulsbo. Indy Studio is located at 18850 Front St.