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RESIDENT ARTIST APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

The Bray is preparing for the next round of Resident Artists, and you have the chance to be one! Apply today for a Summer or Long-Term Residency!

Learn More and Apply Today
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Upcoming Events

View the events calendar.

Resident Artist Fellowship Exhibition

September 4 @ 8:00 am - December 14 @ 5:00 pm
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Closed for Thanksgiving

November 27 @ 8:00 am - November 28 @ 5:00 pm
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Closed for Holiday Break

December 24, 2025 @ 8:00 am - January 2, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
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    Please visit our employment opportunities page to view our open positions.

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    PODCASTS

    Join us to listen and learn from our groundbreaking clay podcasts on The Bray's own Brickyard Network. Our podcasts can be found on your favorite podcast apps. 

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Diversity and Inclusion at The Bray

The Bray exists to promote excellence and enhance commitment and investment in the ceramic arts while actively working towards increased inclusion, representation, belonging and equity in the ceramics community. See our Strategic Plan to learn more.

The Bray respectfully acknowledges all Indigenous communities — past, present, future — whose land we reside on in what is now known as Helena, Montana, including the Salish, Crow, Bannock, and Blackfeet tribes. See our Native Lands Acknowledgement to learn more.

Get to Know Us

InstagramArchie Bray on Instagram  FacebookArchie Bray on Facebook  YoutubeArchie Bray on Youtube

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The Bray exists to promote excellence and enhance commitment and investment in the ceramic arts.

Happy Friday! It's getting colder out, but our art Happy Friday! It's getting colder out, but our artists are still hard at work in the studios. Check out the pieces Jason has been working on!

@jasonlstarin #archiebrayfoundation #archiebray #thebray #archiebrayeducation #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #kiln #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment
Your daily dose of ceramics! Check out these soda Your daily dose of ceramics! Check out these soda fired pieces from Carey Nathanson!

@head.road.puddles #archiebrayfoundation #archiebray #thebray #ceramics #archiebrayeducation #ceramicarts #fineart #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana
Tonight is the night! Stop by The Bray Main Galler Tonight is the night! Stop by The Bray Main Gallery, 6-8 pm, for our annual Holiday Show! ❄️🎁🌲

Shop for the perfect stocking stuffer, ornament, mug, and more! ✨🫖

See you there! 🎁❄️🌲

#archiebrayfoundation #ceramics #thebray #montana #fineart #ceramicarts #helena #visithelena #helenamt #holiday #holidayshow #holidayshopping
Applications are still open for long-term and summ Applications are still open for long-term and summer residencies! ✨

Apply before it closes on December 17, 2025. 

Learn more at the link in our bio!
Open in the Pottery Gallery, Hereafter, our latest Open in the Pottery Gallery, Hereafter, our latest Educational Fellowship Exhibition!

Hereafter presents a powerful reflection on transformation, growth, and the enduring impact of artistic practice beyond the immersive experience of the Archie Bray Foundation's Educational Fellowship. This exhibition showcases works that embody the resonant impact of learning, experimentation, and personal evolution cultivated over a period of rigorous making and mentorship.

The artists' diverse approaches reveal moments of transition, between past and future, process and reflection, capturing the nuanced aftereffects of creative exploration. Each piece carries traces of foundational knowledge fused with individual insight, speaking to both professional growth and the unfolding journey that extends far beyond the studio.

Hereafter is a celebration of what persists after transformation: the lingering energy, potential, and vision that propel these emerging artists forward into the next chapter of their evolving careers.

Artists featured:
Kai Lemis @kailemis 
Liana Loveless @lianalovelessceramics 
Anne-Hee O'Connor @anneheeoconnor
The 2025 Resident Artist Fellowship Exhibition is The 2025 Resident Artist Fellowship Exhibition is still open to the public! Stop by the North Gallery this week to see the amazing work by our current long-term residents.

Artists Featured:
Marian Draper @mariandraperceramics 
Jake Brodsky @jake.brodsky 
Lexus Giles @lexus.giles 
Tommy Lomeli @lomelitommy 
Jason Lee Starin @jasonlstarin 
Carey Nathanson @head.road.puddles 
Eliza Weber @_elizaweber 
Kim Tucker @loudmouthghosts 
Samuel Sarmiento @samuelsarmientostudio 
Dante Gambardella @dantegambardella
Open now!! Take a look at our new exhibition held Open now!! Take a look at our new exhibition held in the Pottery Gallery, Hereafter.

Hereafter presents a powerful reflection on transformation, growth, and the enduring impact of artistic practice beyond the immersive experience of the Archie Bray Foundation's Educational Fellowship. This exhibition showcases works that embody the resonant impact of learning, experimentation, and personal evolution cultivated over a period of rigorous making and mentorship. 

The artists' diverse approaches reveal moments of transition, between past and future, process and reflection, capturing the nuanced aftereffects of creative exploration. Each piece carries traces of foundational knowledge fused with individual insight, speaking to both professional growth and the unfolding journey that extends far beyond the studio.

Hereafter is a celebration of what persists after transformation: the lingering energy, potential, and vision that propel these emerging artists forward into the next chapter of their evolving careers. 

Stop by to see their work, and we hope to see you at the Holiday Show next week, November 13, from 6-8 pm!

Artists featured:
Kai Lemis (@kailemis)
Liana Loveless (@lianalovelessceramics)
Anne-Hee O'Connor (@anneheeoconnor)
If any of you are in NYC this Friday, be sure to s If any of you are in NYC this Friday, be sure to stop by current long-term resident, Samuel Sarmiento's exhibition at Andrew Eldin Gallery! 🏙

Some of the pieces being shown were made right here at The Bray! Check out the reception this Friday, November 7!

@samuelsarmientostudio @andrewedlingallery #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #archiebray #archiebrayeducation #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana
Happy Halloween from The Bray! Check out the costu Happy Halloween from The Bray! Check out the costume on one of the customers at Bray Clay this morning! 🐷🎃
We are two weeks away from the annual Holiday Show We are two weeks away from the annual Holiday Show! ❄️

Stop by The Bray on November 13, at 6:00 pm, to shop for artwork from current and former Bray artists to find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for anyone on your list: maybe a handmade mug, a comforting soup bowl, that perfect vase, ceramic jewelry, unique ornaments, sculptures, and more! 🎁

The sale will last into December, with select pieces available online, beginning November 21. 🌿

Artwork by current long-term resident Marian Draper (@mariandraperceramics)

 #thebray #archiebrayfoundation #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #archiebray #archiebrayeducation #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment #holidayshopping #holidayshow
The colors and imagery captured in a piece by Lexu The colors and imagery captured in a piece by Lexus Giles are truly breathtaking. From start to finish, there is attention to every detail. ✨

@lexus.giles #archiebrayfoundation #archiebray #thebray #archiebrayeducation #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment
Hello! My name is Carey Nathanson and I’m a seco Hello! My name is Carey Nathanson and I’m a second-year long-term resident artist here at The Bray. We were asked to do a “takeover” this fall so here it is! I just wanted to do a big photo dump of a few of the things I’ve been working on since I’ve been in Helena. Send me a message if you’re curious about any of the images or want to know more about anything: @head.road.puddles
Summer might be gone, but there are plenty of brig Summer might be gone, but there are plenty of bright colors in Jake's studio to make up for it! Check out the pieces he dips in slip to make unique designs and shades!☀️

@jake.brodsky #archiebray #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #archiebraygallery #archiebrayclay #archiebrayeducation #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana
Looking for a piece of art that matches your vibe? Looking for a piece of art that matches your vibe?✨

Stop by the Bray Gallery and explore the selection today!⚡️

#archiebraygallery #archiebray #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #archiebrayeducation #archiebrayclay #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment
Over the years, my practice has moved between pott Over the years, my practice has moved between pottery, sculpture, and painting. Rather than choosing one focus, I've chosen the material itself — clay — with all its endless possibilities. 

A little about my work...

The great forces of nature are the catalyst for my artistic dialogue. The natural world has a kindness and understanding that makes it an excellent entity to extract creative ideas from. My work discusses difficult lessons and stories through the personification of the natural world. The essence of my artistic dialogue involves engagement with the inherent characteristics of my materials and experimentation with color and form. I leave space in my work for chance, be it through impurities or revelations, because it's important to me that my objects and paintings develop their own source of power and confidence. I don't seek to be in complete control, as I view my work as a friend who has something to say.
Hello Archie Bray Community! My name is Dante Gamb Hello Archie Bray Community! My name is Dante Gambardella @dantegambardella), and I'm honored to be a long-term resident here at the Archie Bray Foundation.

I grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Bozeman, MT where I began to pursue my career as a ceramic artist at Montana State University. From the very start, I knew I wanted to travel and learn how ceramics have been practiced for thousands of years. What I didn't expect was the generosity and warmth of the global ceramic community.

I'm endlessly grateful for the friendships, mentorships, and shared knowledge that have shaped my path. To me, ceramics has always been about connection — clay brings people together. Now more than ever, I believe its tactility and communal spirit carry deep significance.

Image 1: Me with my piece "Tree with the Magical Fruit"
Image 2: Furuki wrangling a venomous snake from under the gas kiln in Mashiko, Japan
Image 3: Unloading the Wood Kiln in Curitiba, Brazil
Image 4: One of my glaze paintings, "Crystal Fall"
On this day in 1951, the Helena Independent Record On this day in 1951, the Helena Independent Record announced the opening of the Archie Bray Foundation. As we approach our 75th anniversary, we want to pause and reflect on where it all began, while continuing to move forward and shape the world of ceramic art. 📰🌟

This was kindly donated to us by Lisa Autio, whose father, Rudy Autio, was our first Resident Artist Director (1951-1956). We are deeply grateful to the Autio Family for saving this wonderful piece of our history and for allowing it to come here to be part of our archives!🧡

@independentrecord @visithelenamontana @helenaareachamberofcommerce  #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #kiln #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment #archiebray #archiebrayclay #archiebraygallery #archiebrayeducation #75years
Some more sweet summer memories! Avi Farber kept b Some more sweet summer memories! Avi Farber kept busy in the studio this summer, creating pieces and connecting with other artists.

@avi.farber.studio #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #ceramics #ceramicarts #woodfire #woodfirekiln #fineart #kiln #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana
Marian Draper's functional ceramics feature intric Marian Draper's functional ceramics feature intricate florals and nature-inspired themes. Working with underglaze on raw clay, she uses transfer techniques to bring her delicate designs to life. 🌿🌸

@mariandraperceramics #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #kiln #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana #montanamoment
Recent summer resident Spencer Cheek brought plent Recent summer resident Spencer Cheek brought plenty of smiles (and incredible sculptures) to The Bray! He made the most of his time here, and we’re excited to see where his creative journey takes him next!

@specialchestnut #archiebrayfoundation #thebray #ceramics #ceramicarts #fineart #kiln #helena #helenamt #visithelena #montana
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The Bray is a 501(c)(3) exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code and all contributions to the Bray are deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For more information contact the Bray Development Office.