2017 CERAMIC STUDIO TOUR

Every spring, Arizona State University’s Ceramics Research Center sponsors a self-guided tour of AZ ceramic artists in the Phoenix metro area. Artists who are not local to Phoenix are hosted by someone who has their home studio in the area. This will be my first year as a participating artist, and I will be hosted by Tiffany Bailey alongside fellow artists Magda Gluszek and Jason Bohnert. All four of us will be demonstrating ceramic techniques on both days of the tour.

Come check us out at Studio 9 on the map (37 E. 14th St. Tempe, AZ)

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Don Reitz & Ben Roti: tran•si•tions

Don Reitz & Ben Roti: tran•si•tions exhibition at the American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91767 from January 14 - April 2, 2017. The gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday, Noon to 5pm.  This exhibition showcases the ceramics work of the late, legendary Don Reitz and his apprentice/assistant Ben Roti. Opening reception: Saturday, January 14, 6:00-9:00 PM with an artist presentation at 6:30pm. For more information: www.amoca.org or call 909.865.3146.

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Return to Woodfire

I just returned from Lawrence, Kansas where I was apart of the Kansas University NCECA pre-conference. The week broke down into loading on Friday morning and firing the Noborigama kiln for three days, culminating in a fire-extravaganza on Monday evening. The kiln then cooled during the NCECA conference and was unloaded on Saturday. The 10 days I was in Kansas and Missouri was incredible, it was a tiring week of firing with friends, meeting new friends and sharing experiences with everyone. 

Kansas City, MO has some of the greatest old buildings, some are empty and totally abandoned, there are vacant lots, and a population of 450,000 but felt smaller than most cities. It was a perfect place to host the largest ceramic conference in the world. It was really great to see friends whom I hadn't seen in far too long. 

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Life is not a dress rehearsal...You only get one shot at it

WOW, such an incredible week. As I return to Arizona from NCECA, Facebook reminded me that it has been 2 years since my mentor Don Reitz has passed. While I was at the conference I was able to reconnect with so many great friends and meet just as many new ones! I feel so fortunate to have worked with Don at the ranch and am astonished with the doors he continues to open for me. Today I'm left thinking about something Don once told me, "It doesn't get any easier, it just gets different". I can honestly say that it's sure a hell of a lot different buddy, but I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you Don, love you and miss you.

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Kansas University Pre-NCECA

I will be one of the Visiting Artists at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas for the pre-NCECA events March 9-15.  Visiting Artists will lead the firing of the four wood kilns, along with demonstrations and other events.  Great opportunity to participate with a great line up of artists. 

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#benlaugh

I'm excited to be a co-featured artist with Ben Craigie at SoSoba and The Commerce in Flagstaff, Arizona. Be sure to check it out for first Friday, or stop by have some great food and maybe a few cocktails.  

#benlaugh at SoSoBa and The Commerce.

Join us for First Friday Artwalk this Friday February 5th for a very special art installation by Benjamin Craigie and Bennett Roti. 

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Made In Clarkdale Artist Of The Moment

Cottonwood AZ (October 29, 2015) – Made In Clarkdale’s new art in public places program,Artists of the Moment, will be featuring three Made In Clarkdale artists at the Old Town Center for the Arts on November 7th. The featured artists are Edward Krish, Ben Roti and Ramona Stites.

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The Almighty Cup

The Gandee Gallery and the Shaped Clay Society at Syracuse University are happy to announce the opening of The Almighty Cup, a national juried and invitational exhibition. The show presents an eclectic mix of styles of drinking vessels made by 47 ceramic artists from all over the country. It will be on view at the Gandee Gallery October 3 through November 22.  All of the work will be posted on the website by Friday, Oct 2, and online sales start after the opening on Sunday, Oct 4.  Call or email to make a purchase.  Click on Read More to see all of the pieces in the show!

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Summer at the Manheim Gallery

I will have work at the Menheim Gallery from July-September. Details are listed below. Images from Gala Opening will be posted after July 11th. Made In Clarkdale atThe Manheim Gallery Eleven Made In Clarkdale  Artists will be featured at the Manheim Gallery in Cottonwood this summer. Working with Patt Manheim, Made In Clarkdale will operate the Manheim Gallery and open a show for Made In Clarkdale artists "Summertime at the Manheim."The show opens July 1st with a Gala Opening Evening scheduled for July 11 from 6 PM to 9 PM during the Old Town Cottonwood 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

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Three Amigos – Ceramic Exhibition

Made In Clarkdale’s Corner Gallery announces the opening of the “Three Amigos Ceramic Exhibition”. Ben Roti, Michael Bolen and Luke Metz are excited to share their ceramic art collaboration. Each artist brings a unique vision and approach. Thinking outside the box is a quality all of these artists share. Come see where fine craftsmanship and art merge. 

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Origins

Origin is the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. In preparation for my show at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, I spent time reflecting on my own origin, roots, and life experiences. My ceramic career began 15 years ago at the Pearson Lakes Art Center where my work is currently on display. Taking that into account, this sense of nostalgia or “coming home” is the focal point of my recent creative efforts. The objects I crafted have a pronounced texture covered by bright colors that are worn down to reveal the raw earthenware clay below. This fabrication process creates a butter-soft patina and timeworn appearance in each piece. My hope is that viewers will handle the work and can connect with their own pasts…their origins.

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Made In Clarkdale 2014

It’s that time of year again, just after Thanksgiving and right before Christmas. Made In Clarkdale 2014 is upon us. I’m so excited to be participating in this fantastic show that includes so many artists from our community! This year there are over 50 artists showing at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale, AZ. The show will run from December 5th – December 13th with the Opening Gala Event on Friday December 5th 2014 6pm-9pm.

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