Ben Chamberlain Memorial Exhibition

Benjamin Harrison Chamberlain (1975-2021) was a Studio Potter, Kiln designer & builder, Charcuterie Connoisseur, and a beloved Employee of Pewabic Pottery for many years. Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Ben gravitated toward the arts from an early age. He taught and made work that celebrated alternative firing methods like raku, salt, and wood firings.

He created communities wherever he went and always strove to bring people together out of the love of the ceramic process itself, as well as the opportunities it created for people to share, learn and grow together.

After sadly being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Ben made the decision to fulfill a long-time personal goal and build his own Hybrid Wood / Soda kiln on his property in Gladwin, again bringing together a massive group of friends and family to help, to participate, and to experience together. The kiln was dubbed “The Pizzagama” and incorporated a built-in pizza oven which operated by recycling waste heat generated by the firing. As his treatment progressed, Ben continued to make and fire pots, and to travel and continue to take part particularly in the wood-firing communities he had grown so close to over the years. His studio work continued until the very end of his life, supported and encouraged by the friends, colleagues and loved ones closest to him. 

NOTE: Since these pieces are part of an active exhibition, they will only be available for pick-up or delivery when the exhibition closes. On Saturday, March 28 from 5pm-6pm you can pick up your pieces in the Pewabic courtyard. Otherwise, you will receive an email confirmation when they are ready for in-store pick-up or have been shipped.