I've known Ben for 30 years. He's not only an extremely talented and passionate artist, but he's a wonderful human being.

Go Potter Boy!

Thirty two years ago, I was recovering in a hospital from an elective surgery. My roommate was a young mother suffering from arthritis. I remember her tears as she was trying to deal with holding her little baby, just a few months old. I have never forgotten her pain. I have never forgotten her.

I love his work! I see it at the farmers market and the arts festivals. Go Ben!

I hope he is seeing a good rheumatologist because there are medicines available that can take away that pain and slow the crippling process. I know. I was there. I couldn't hold a tissue without it bring tears. I didn't know what I was going to do. My Dr. put me on a medication that resolved that issue. I work at a computer all day which keeps my fingers limber. I have been on 3 different medications up to this point. I inherited mine from my paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather - both severely crippled by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. My grandmother crocheted and my grandfather carved wood items. There was little medication back then. Now there is so much available to assist with the pain and slow the crippling process. I hope he can be helped. I know the pain he is feeling but continuing to use your hands as much as possible also slows the process. Keep it up!!

We have purchased many of Ben's mud tiles over the past years and he is very talented! I hope that things get better for him as we love his artwork!!

I've known Ben my entire life and can vouch for his creativity, optimism, humor, and work ethic. If he works half as hard at pottery as he did at getting my attention in 7th grade, he'll continue to be a success. :) Good luck, Ben!

As good of a bishop as he is an artist.