View Benjamin Watkins's artwork on display from October 15 - November 15.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday closed
Benjamin Watkins is a ceramics artist and owner of Fire Maple Pottery located in Peoria Heights, Illinois. He has worked in clay for twenty-five years; Ben graduated from Emporia State University with a BFA in painting (2002). He went to Bradley University in Peoria Il, where he earned an MFA in painting and ceramics (2005). Following graduate school, he worked with artist Sandra McKenzie Schmidt managing her pottery.
He creates functional pottery inspired by nature and his surroundings. Being both a painter and a potter, throwing pots is like painting in three dimensions for him. He has a love for glaze and atmospheric firing. He typically fires cone 10 reduction. He utilizes a variety of firings including soda, salt, and wood firings. Ben began teaching students and mentoring artists early in his career at McKenzie River Pottery. A tradition that has followed him to his own studio founded in 2015.
Ben has participated in many jurored, group, and solo exhibitions throughout his career. He can be found at regional art fairs and events throughout the year.
SPONSORED BY
SEASON SPONSORS OF CULTURAL EVENTS AT MCCC
The event is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by Monroe County Community College and The Foundation at Monroe County Community College Community College.
Season sponsors of Cultural Events at MCCC include La-Z-Boy and Consumers Energy.
