The First Studio Scholarship invites graduates of academies and diploma programs in Israel to a year residency at the Benyamini Center, offering a professional, human, and material adventure. The year provides an opportunity for specialization and an in-depth understanding of working with clay, technological research, studio management, and more. Exposure to exhibitions, the library, and the theoretical program, as well as encounters with the Benyamini team and visiting artists in the residency program, enables learning different teaching methods and insight into the creative and conceptual processes of active artists in the field.
The past year was rich and fruitful, and this year’s winners became an integral part of the Benyamini team, contributing to the quality of teaching and daily life at the school and center. They taught, assisted in the mounting of exhibitions, and created a diverse and fascinating body of work. The exhibition marks the culmination of the First Studio scholarship year and signals the beginning of a new professional path.
Chen Ben David designed a modular test tile for designers and ceramic artists. The tile serves as a convenient and efficient tool for glaze testing, addressing several key needs: comfortable grip for dipping, wall-hanging solutions, easy cleaning of the underside before firing, and a modular, colorful display that evolves in the studio as tests multiply. The design allows one to evaluate glaze quality and color in both horizontal and vertical positions, as well as color compatibility between different glazes. Alongside the tile, Chen designed and produced a kit including a plaster mold for serial tile production, as well as marking and hanging accessories for users.
Mor Montifiori Mor’s work stems from a belief in something greater than the physical body and soul. While this concept goes by many names—and is viewed by some as unprovable—she directs our gaze to the traces it leaves behind in the world: marks in the sand, erosion in stone, impressions in clay—evidence of a past presence, even when the presence itself is gone. Mor invites viewers to ask: What is the force that leaves its mark on the world?
The first series of works is constructed from unglazed coils of black clay with finger marks from the process that remain visible, leaving the recorded imprint of the maker’s hands in the material. The second series features a group of functional wheel-thrown vessels that echo the traces of the material and the artist’s presence in the forms and surface textures.
Lee Pinhasi Lee’s work comprises two series, combining her life’s passions: nature, ceramics, and painting. Nature, particularly the world of birds, is her inspiration expressing freedom, movement, and vitality.
The bird series consists of wheel-thrown cylinders made from black clay, painted with birds and natural elements in a rich color palette that contrasts with the dark material. Alongside the bird series, Lee presents hand-built forms with low-relief animals. In contrast to the lightness and movement characterizing the bird series, this second body of work conveys rooted weight, emphasizing material, texture, and the hand – built forms.
The small gallery
Exhibition of the First Studio Graduates for 20265: Chen Ben David, Mor Montifiori, Lee Pinhasi
Curator: Ravit lazer
Opening: Tuesday, 22/9/26, 18:00
Closing: Saturday,3/11/26, 14:00
