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)
Read moreWhat a wonderful opening reception out in Pomona, CA! I met so many great people, some who had never met Don or I and others who had long histories with both of us. I have been trying to process the whole experience over the last week, and I still am in shock that the opening has come and gone.
Read moreDon 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.
Read moreI 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.
Read moreWOW, 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.
Read moreI 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.
Read moreI'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.
Read moreIt's that time of year once again, I will be exhibiting my artwork along with several other fantastic artists from the surrounding Clarkdale area. I'm looking forward to the Gala opening as always, and can't wait to share my new works with everyone.
Read moreCottonwood 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.
Read moreThe 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!
Read moreThis week I was invited by my friend Natasha Hovey to participate in the 2015 Empty Bowls Ceramic Show & Sale at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU. I was thrilled to be asked to participate and join several other artists in this great cause! If your interested in seeing more of Natasha's work please click the button below.
Read moreI'm very excited to have been accepted into the Starbrick Clay National Cup Show of 2015! My piece was one of 50 cups that was chosen from 160 cup entries! I'm so honored to be in a show with two of my past professors and several friends in the ceramic field. Can't wait to see the whole show with everyone's entries.
Read moreI'm very excited to be apart of The Almighty Cup Show in Fabius, NY at the Gandee Gallery. Three of my cups were selected for the show. They had over 300 cup entires submitted and selected only 90! Looking forward to seeing the other cups in the show.
Read moreLast week I was asked to do a two day workshop for The ceramics department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. I had a great time sharing my hand building techniques with everyone. A very special thank you to Mat Rude and the Kreielsheimer Visiting Artist foundation. I’ve put a few photos from the workshop below. I look forward to my next shop!
Read moreI 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.
Read moreMade 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.
Read moreOrigin 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.
Read moreIt’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.
Read moreThis coming Saturday I will be at the Sedona Performing Arts Center showing my work for a special preview of the Made In Clarkdale show. Join us before the opera and during intermission for a preview of the December MADE IN CLARKDALE Art Show. See some of the area’s best artists in this sneak preview of the 28th annual event.
Read moreVisual Arts Director of the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Morgan Aalgaard, emailed me photographs from the opening night of my Origins Show. It was such a great night to see all the friendly faces. Morgan took some really great shots and I thought I would share them with everyone.
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