Meet Our Pottery Studio Member Mentor

One of the best parts of the Mountain Arts Community Center is the incredible people who make it such a welcoming creative community. We recently asked our new pottery studio mentor, Ben Nafe, a few questions to learn more about his journey, what inspires him, and what members can expect during our newly offered "Thursday Clay Time."

Ben, Tell us a little about yourself.

My wife, Laurie, and I moved to Chattanooga from Texas in June, but I grew up on a small horse farm in central Alabama and was homeschooled by my art-loving mother after she retired from teaching.

I work as a CPA for nonprofits to pay the bills, but our passion is working as foster parents for teenagers.

I've been a pottery instructor for three years and have made somewhere in the ballpark of 500 pieces of pottery and ceramic art.

We also have two dogs that love to wear us out on the hiking trails.

How did you first discover pottery, and what drew you to working with clay?

I needed an art credit in college and chose pottery because I had already tried the other arts available. After the class ended, I cleaned the studio for the next year just to have studio access. Ten years later, my wife wanted to take a class together, and within six months I was the instructor.

Working with clay is dynamic and messy. It's easy to focus and be present in the moment with the people around you—it's hard to be on your phone when your hands are muddy.

What do you enjoy most about creating pottery?

Creating something that I know will be used and enjoyed for years.

The flexibility of clay—it can be functional, sculptural, a canvas for other techniques, or all three together. There's no "correct" use of clay.

Working with others, sharing inspiration, and growing together.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring members in the MACC pottery studio?

It is very satisfying to see someone's skill and confidence grow. My favorite moment is always unloading the kiln and seeing a friend's face light up because the thing they imagined is suddenly real.

What advice would you give someone who has never tried pottery before?

It's impossible to mess up because it was just a chunk of mud when you started.

I've personally worked with more than 70 complete pottery beginners and would love to have you in our studio.

What can members expect when they join you for Thursday Clay Time?

Friendly, hands-on instruction to develop core pottery skills.

Ongoing support for the projects and skills you care about.

Bring in an Instagram post or YouTube video, and we'll figure out how to make it.

An environment that focuses on community and creativity without pressure.

What do you hope people take away from their time in the pottery studio?

A pot! But more than that, a sense of belonging within the group and confidence in expressing their own creativity in a new way.

From all of us at the MACC... Welcome, Ben and THANK YOU for the talents and time you're bringing to the studio!