BrainPickin': LBCC Ceramics Legacy at Benton Center Thrives

A class works on their pots in the studio.

Under the direction of its new instructor, Renee McKitterick, the Benton Center Ceramics Studio continues to thrive.

January 2016 marked the completion of McKitterick’s first year as head of ceramics at LBCC. A highly experienced and accomplished artist, she spent three years teaching as an adjunct at the University of New Mexico before taking the position.

“To be honest, UNM is a bigger institution but their ceramics department is not nearly as good,” said McKitterick.

A dynamic and renowned studio, the Benton Center ceramics program is unique. Comprised of a strong community of dedicated staff, volunteers and students, it has a large, state-of-the-art studio, complete with an outdoor area and four different kinds of kilns. The program is a success among LBCC students and within the Corvallis and Albany communities.

“It’s a bright light; I call it our marquee at the Benton Center. We invite the community in,” said Jeff Davis, LBCC’s regional director for Benton County.

The studio is open, welcoming, and dedicated to the success of the students.

“A wide range of students find ways to contribute to the program. It’s really a community learning at its best,” said Jay Widmer, recently retired head of ceramics at LBCC. “There is a sense of community, a spirit of helping others learn. It’s unusual.”

Over his 36 year tenure Widmer sculpted the ceramics department into the thriving studio it is today. Ceramics began at the Albany campus in 1977, after which a small branch of the ceramics department opened at the Benton Center. According to Widmer, the first classroom in the center was small and crowded.

Widmer built the first of many kilns on the Benton campus and continued to improve the studio, working with architects to design a new studio at the Benton Center during the renovations in 2003. Ceramics in Albany closed in the late -'80s and became a primary focus of the Benton Center.

“It’s been the greatest job imaginable for me as a clay artist and teacher,” said Widmer. “I am proud of it.”

Both McKitterick and Davis attribute the success of the department to the dedication of their predecessors and the strong foundation created by its 36-year lifespan.

“I owe a debt of gratitude just coming into a situation where people had created a tradition and culture of a really positive environment,” said Davis.

Though it was intimidating to take over such a well-established program, it proved to be an easy transition for McKitterick.

“Everyone was very welcoming, and because of that I hit the ground running,” she said.

McKitterick discovered a studio stocked with dedicated, helpful volunteers, some who had been involved for 10 to 15 years.

“People give themselves to the studio and that’s how it can function at such a high level,” said McKitterick.

At the studio LBCC students have the opportunity to take several classes, including Ceramics I, Ceramics II, and 3-D Design. Students learn hands-on critical thinking, deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills through their work with clay.

“It’s challenging but rewarding work,” said Emma Fajer, LBCC student.

New students learn the entire clay process, from hand-building and throwing to glazing and firing. This term students have the opportunity to learn kiln building, constructing a soda kiln and adding a new firing process to the studio's repertoire.

Classes are available to the public and are open to diverse skill levels and ages. According to Davis, a student 96 years of age recently attended.

“I think we all benefit from a sense of play, whether it’s music or poetry, or something creative,” said Davis.

Jesse Rose, an LBCC student who took both Ceramics I and II, found applications in other classes for the terms, concepts, and ways of thinking he gained in-studio.

“Ceramics compliments other classes really well. It gives a really good break from the monotony of quizzes and tests. You get to exercise a different part of your brain,” said Rose.

The creative expansion is not limited to students. When McKitterick applied for a residency in Jingdezhen, China, the “Porcelain Capital,” she found the support of the Benton Center behind her.

“Her work is breathtaking. It’s exceptional.” said Davis.

The talented teacher believes each student has a story to tell. Putting tools and clay into the hands of the students, she encourages them to mold these stories into life.

Many students taking her classes are not art majors and the students have a rare chance to explore their creativity. To her, this makes their time in the studio even more vital.

“For this quarter, you are an artist. We are going to treat you like an artist,” said McKitterick.

She wants everyone to have the experience.