Ben began his career as an artist in retirement, applying his life-long creative energies in new ways. After a weekend in 2012 with printmaker Nick Wroblewski at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, he launched out on his own, always learning more with each new print. Classes in drawing and painting in 2015 at Northern Michigan University with professors Mike Letts and Taimur Cleary taught valuable new skills. Subsequent classes in art history and business practices for artists significantly broadened his art education.

Ben has enjoyed many gallery shows, exhibitions, awards and artist residencies, as well as teaching presentations and workshops.