Steve Aulerich

Steve started his ceramics career in 1974 at Corvallis High School under the tutelage of Dennis Staats who allowed Steve to start and end his day making pottery and working as a lab assistant mixing clay, making glazes and firing kilns. After that initial brush with clay, Steve took a 20-year break to pursue a career in forest engineering. In 2000, he was inspired to start ceramics again through the LBCC Benton Center. He is an instructional assistant at the college and helps students learn a variety of skills and techniques.

Steve enjoys working in his home studio where he creates and fires a variety of forms with different shapes, colors and textures. He uses an electric kiln for bisque firing and a natural gas kiln for high firing. The kilns are monitored with instruments to minimize energy consumption.

Steve is a member of the Oregon Potters Association and the Willamette Ceramics Guild. In 2006, his work was recognized with the Jay Widmer Juror’s Choice Award in ceramics.