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Ben Gufford - Past, Present, Future

I was raised in a state renowned for its rich heritage in clay craftsmanship. Through my formative years, I had the privilege of studying under esteemed clay artists at the local, regional, national, and international levels. These immersive experiences fueled my passion for the art and craft of clay, prompting me to the level of gallery exhibitions. In pursuit of honing my skills, I pursued a dual educational path and obtained two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in 1999 and 2000—one in ceramics and the other in graphic design. Since 2001, I have been actively engaged in both creating art and imparting knowledge within the public school system. Working with traditional techniques as well as exploring emerging mediums allows me to share diverse perspectives, blending the wisdom of the past, the spirit of the present, and the innovation of the future, both in my artistic endeavors and my role as an art educator. Currently based in North Carolina, I derive great satisfaction from incorporating global influences into my work, expanding the boundaries of perception. It is my sincere aspiration that my creations not only bring joy but also inspire others. I consider it a privilege and honor to manifest and share my artistic vision with the world.

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Feel free to inquire about additional works not listed online, or to schedule a demonstration, workshop, or lecture. Email me directly at benjamingufford@hotmail.com.

Education

  • 2006  North Carolina Substance Abuse Counselor Studies - Wayne Community College, Goldsboro, NC

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Employment History

  • K-5 Art Teacher - 2006 - Present, Wilson County Public Schools

  • Pottery Instructor - 2008 - 2009, Greenville Parks and Recreation

  • Human Resource Instructor and Cognitive Behavior Intervention Instructor - 2006, Wayne Community College/DART Cherry/Day Reporting Center

  • Human Resource and Pottery Instructor, part-time, July-Nov. 2005, Wilson Technical Community College

  • Pottery Instructor - 2004, Clayton Parks and Recreation

  • K-12 Art Teacher - 2002 - 2003, Wayne County Public Schools

  • 1-12 Art Teacher - 2001 - 2002, Wayne Country Day School

  • Pottery Instructor - 2001, Wayne County Community Arts Council

Organizations

  • American Craft Council - 2024 - present

  • NC Pottery Center Member - 2024 - present

  • Wilson Elementary Art Teachers Association - (Vice President for two years) -  2009 - 2019

  • National Weather Service SKYWARN Volunteer - 2012 - 2019

  • Safety Officer - Contentnea Fire Department - 2014 - 2016

  • Amateur Radio Relay League - Public Information Officer - 2012 - 2017

  • North Carolina AUXCOMM Society - 2013 - 2020

  • Wilson County Auxiliary Emergency Communications - 2012 - 2021

  • NC Pottery Center Member - 2003 - 2010

  • Potters Council (American Ceramic Society) - 2002 - 2010

  • Barton College Friends of Visual Arts - 2008 - 2010

  • American Crafts Council - 2007 - 2010

  • Wilson Active Artist Association - 1998 - 2010

  • Sunrise Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro - 2006

  • Eastern NC Bluegrass Association - 2002 - 2005

  • Triangle Potters Guild (Corresponding Secretary) - 2001 - 2005

  • NC Touring Artist Directory - 2002 - 2003

  • Waynesborough Park Events Committee and Building and Grounds Committee - 2000

Leadership In Education

  • Led summer workshop - Pollock Pixel Slinging (Digital Arts), Wilson County Schools - 2021

  • Leadership Team Member - Barnes/Jones Elementary School - 2015 - 2021

  • Co-taught amateur radio licensing class with Five County Amateur Radio Club - 2019

  • WhirliKids Club -Organized and led an art club focusing on Vollis Simpson, Wilson County Schools - 2018

  • Co-chaired Crisis Team - Barnes Elementary School - 2018

  • Co-chaired Technology Committee - Barnes Elementary - 2018

  • E-Learning Team Leader - Presented professional development for technology integration and co-wrote the plan technology usage plan for Barnes Elementary School - 2016 - 2017

  • Led presentations with the Wilson Elementary Art Teachers Association - 2011 - 2016

  • Leadership Team Member - Barnes Elementary School - 2014 - 2016

  • Led summer workshop - Cross-Curricular Integration, Wilson County Schools - 2015

  • Led amateur radio licensing class with Wilson County Auxiliary Emergency Communications - 2012

  • One-day seminar on resumes, interviews, and work ethics, Wayne Community College - 2006

  • Two-day seminar on resumes, interviews, and work ethics, Wilson Community College - 2005

  • Two-day staff development on pit-firing, Wayne County Public Schools - 2003

Awards

  • 25th Anniversary Taste of Wilson Logo Contest, first place - 2018

  • Teacher of the Year, Barnes Elementary School - 2015 - 2016

  • Firefighter of the Year, Contentnea Fire Department - 2015

  • Teacher of the Year, Barnes Elementary School - 2011 - 2012

  • Wayne Community College’s Youth Excelling in Lifelong Learning Outstanding Contribution Award - 2006

  • Art Teacher of the Year, Wayne County Public Schools - 2003

  • North Carolina State Fair Teacher Graphic Design Competition, fourth place - 2003

  • North Carolina State Fair Teacher Graphic Design Competition, second place - 2001

Workshops

  • One hour pottery presentation - Cub Scouts on Jobs in the Visual Arts - 2010

  • Two-week Raku intensive workshop, Greenville Parks and Recreation - 2009

  • Half-day pottery workshop on cups, Tobacco Farm Life Museum Summer Camp for Kids - 2008

  • Half-day pottery workshop on tea bowls, Tobacco Farm Life Museum Summer Camp for Kids - 2007

  • Two-hour pottery workshop on bowls, Girl Scout Troop - 2007

  • Half-day pottery workshop on face jugs, Tobacco Farm Life Museum Summer Camp for Kids - 2006

  • Three-day pottery workshop on traditional clay forms, Ray of Hope Church - 2005

  • Day pottery workshop on Raku, North Lenoir High School - 2005

  • Five-day pottery workshop on face Jugs & masks, Goldsboro High School - 2003

  • Two-day pottery workshop on African tripod vessels, North Carolina Museum of Art - 2003

  • Three-day pottery workshop on pit-fired face jugs, 4H Enrichment Institute, Mount Olive College - 2003

  • Five-day pottery workshop on African masks, Wayne County Community Arts Council - 2002

  • Five-day pottery workshop on Japanese Tea Ceremony, Wayne County Community Arts Council - 2002

  • Five-day pottery workshop on pit-firing, Wayne County Community Arts Council - 2002

  • Five-day pottery workshop on miniature vessels, Camp Mary Atkinson’s Girls Scout Camp - 2001

  • Three-day pottery workshop on wall pockets, Rosewood Elementary School - 2001

Demonstrations

  • First PH Church, Singles Group Meeting, Goldsboro, NC - 2008

  • Kirkwood Retirement Village, Sunday Night Service, Goldsboro, NC - 2008

  • NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Kid’s Qumran Festival celebrating the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition - 2008

  • Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Anniversary Celebration and Heritage Day, 1998 - 2006

  • May Museum, Dogwood Festival - 2003

  • Fourth Annual Clayton Art Fair - 2002

  • NC State Farmers Market, Triangle Potters Guild First Annual Pottery Festival - 2002

  • Southern Wayne High School - 2001 - 2002

  • NC State Farmers Market, Gourd Day - 2002

  • Selma Cotton Mills, Grand Opening - 2002

  • Middle Creek Elementary School - 2002

  • Northeast Elementary School - 2002

  • Artsplosure - 2001 - 2002

  • Fall for Goldsboro Arts Festival - 2001

  • Camp Mary Atkinson, Fall Women’s Leader Conference - 2001

  • Triangle Potters Guild September meeting - 2001

  • Old-Timey Days, Seven Springs, NC - 2001

  • Rosewood Elementary School, Renaissance - 2001

  • Waynesborough Park, Seniors Appreciation Day - 2000

  • Mt. Olive Days of Yore: Preserving the Past - 2000

  • Waynesborough Park’s Spring Festival - 2000

  • Dan Finch Pottery Open House, 1998 - 1999 and 2006 - 2008

  • Shapes of Clay Gallery Open House - 1998 - 1999

  • North Star Gallery Open House - 1998

  • Johnston Community College Pottery Class - 1998

  • Cup-n-Such Coffee Shop - 1998

  • De-Railabration Celebration - 1998

Donations

  • Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Fargo North Dakota - 2023

  • Benefit Auction for Homeless, Fayetteville, NC - 2011

  • Church Auction in Greenville to benefit Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, Pitt County Literacy Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, and Greenville Community Shelter - 2009 - 2010

  • Wayne County Day Humane Society Benefit - 2010

  • Liz Zlot Summerfield Benefit Auction, in conjunction with Penland and the Crimson Laurel Gallery - 2009

  • Feed the Hungry/Empty Bowls, Mitchell County Craft Fair - 2009

  • Lucky 13 Gala/Auction, Arts Council of Wayne County - 2009

  • Feed the Hungry/Empty Bowls, Trinity Ceramic Supply, Inc. - 2009

  • United Way of Wilson County, Inc. - 2008

  • Wilson County Arts Council, Ice Cream Bowls - 2008

  • Art Affaire 2008, Randolph County Arts Guild Annual Auction, Asheboro, NC - 2008

  • Habitat for Humanity Soup Bowl Auction, Asheboro, NC - 2008

  • Mental Health Association of Wayne County Silent Auction, Goldsboro, NC - 2006

  • Sunrise Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro - 2006

  • Heritage Bible College Annual Auction, Dunn, NC - 2006

  • Chili Bowl Sale, Johnston Community College New Art Gallery Fundraiser, Smithfield, NC - 2006

  • Urban Ministries Soup Bowl Auction, Raleigh, NC - 2005

  • Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly, NC - 2005

  • Home, Health and Hospice Care Silent Auction, Goldsboro, NC - 2003 - 2009

  • NC Pottery Center Auction, Seagrove, NC - 1999 - 2005 and 2008 - 2010

  • Lions Club Auction, Goldsboro, NC - 2002 - 2004

  • May Museum, Farmville, NC - 2003

  • NC Freshwater Mussel Conservation Partnership Auction, Raleigh, NC - 2003

  • Mt. Olive Museum Auction, Mt. Olive, NC - 2003

  • Sanford Pottery Festival’s, Lee County, NC Art Teachers Art Supply Fundraiser - 2003 - 2006

  • Wilson Arts Council, Wilson, NC - 2002

  • Wayne Community College Scholarship Auction, Goldsboro, NC - 2002 and 2006

  • Wayne Country Day Art Supply Fund, Goldsboro, NC - 2002

  • Moore County Arts Council, Southern Pines, NC - 2002

  • Artsplosure Kids Auction, Raleigh, NC - 2002

  • Wayne Country Day’s Annual Auction, Goldsboro, NC - 2002

  • Rosewood Elementary School, Goldsboro, NC - 2001 - 2002

  • Siglinda Scarpa Benefit Sale, Sanford, NC - 2001

  • Southern Wayne High School, Dudley, NC - 2001

  • Works of Heart Aids Fundraiser, Raleigh, NC - 2001

  • Studio Potters Network Fundraiser, Raleigh, NC - 2001

  • “Just One Bowl” NCECA Fundraiser - 2001

  • Exploris Empty Bowls Event, Greenville, NC - 2000

  • Barton College Art Department Supply Fund, Wilson, NC - 2000

  • Greenville Museum of Art’s Annual Auction, Greenville, NC - 1999

  • East Carolina Ceramics Guild Fundraiser, Greenville, NC, - 1999

  • Art Affair ’99, Randolph County Arts Guild Sale, Asheboro, NC - 1999

  • The Soup Bowl Project, Randolph County Homemakers Fundraiser, Asheboro, NC - 1998

Recent Shows

  • Ripple Effect - Clay Center of New Orleans - New Orleans, LA - 2024

  • The Mudflat Cup Show - Mud Flat Studio - Somerville, MA - 2024

  • Carolina Roots Biennial Juried Exhibition - Artspace - Raleigh, NC - 2023

  • The Practice is the Point in collaboration with Steve Hilton - Fargo Museum of Art - Fargo, ND - 2023

  • South Carolina Festival of Flowers Annual Juried Show - The Arts Center of Greenwood - Greenwood, SC - 2023

  • Face Jugs and More - North Carolina Pottery Center - Seagrove, NC - 2023

  • Korean Influence On North Carolina Pottery - North Carolina Pottery Center - Seagrove, NC - 2022

  • Kansas City Clay Guild Teabowl National - Kansas City, KS - 2022

  • Clay Cup V: Vessel, Icon, Canvas - University of Missouri - Columbia, MS - 2021 

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