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CONNECTING THE WORLD THROUGH CLAY

Learn how you can support the Bray, an international creative center solely dedicated to the ceramic arts. Your donation supports emerging artists, educators, students, education assistants and youth.

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VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS

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Upcoming Events

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First Fire Exhibition

July 27 - September 30
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Artist Amplified; Adam Field

September 21 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement
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Bray Offices, Galleries and Clay Business closed for Indigenous People’s Day

October 9
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Artist Amplified; Timothy Gordon

October 12 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement
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Announcements

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    OPEN CALL FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS

    The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (The Bray) seeks individuals for consideration to serve on the Board of Directors.

    Please view our Open Call Nominations document for more information about The Bray’s Board member qualifications, responsibilities, financial stewardship and contributions as well as the Nominations form.

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    THE BRAY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    We’re thrilled to announce Rebecca Harvey as the new executive director of The Bray! 

    Download the press release to learn more.

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    employment opportunities

    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, EQUITY & INCLUSION

    Read our diversity, equity and inclusion statement.

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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

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

Archie Bray Foundation
Tony Clennell and Andrew Kellner are firing it up Tony Clennell and Andrew Kellner are firing it up in the visiting artist studio this month! @tonyclennell @kellnerandrew Welcome, you two!

Tony Clennell is a second-generation potter that has taught workshops in Canada, the US, Japan, China, Korea, Wales, Italy and Portugal. He has a Master of Fine Arts from Utah State University and is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Tony has written articles for an assortment of ceramic journals including Fusion, Contact, Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Clay Times, and Studio Potter,  He has exhibited in museums and collections in North America, Europe, and Asia. He is the author of Stuck in the Mud and a 
celebrated blogger.

Andrew Kellner received a Diploma from Sheridan College (2003) BFA (2005) from Alberta College of Art and Design, and a MFA (2017) from West Virginia University. Since moving to Hamilton, Andrew keeps a home studio practice, and continues to contribute to the ceramics community by teaching ceramic classes at Mohawk College and other private studios. In 2018, Kellner and business partner Heather Smit, have started annual invitational Ceramic show Ash + Barrel.
Ghosts, candlesticks, owls, skulls, a witchy finge Ghosts, candlesticks, owls, skulls, a witchy finger, dark stripes, doll heads, orange and black... Halloween is just around the corner, check out all things SPOOKY in the Bray Gallery! Shop online at the link in our bio. 

Pictured:
Megan Thomas; Ghost Bird Yunomi
Maura Wright; Earthenware Candlestick Holder
Kelly McLaughlin; Owl Head Wall Piece
Didem Mert; Bling Pur Peel Dot Dot Dot Skullz Cup
Jessica Brandl; Coyote Skull Vessel
Jamie Bates Sloan; Witchy Finger Necklace 
Maggie Jaszczak; Dark Striped Jar
Tom Bartel; Doll Head Cup
Lauren Smith; Orange Teardrops w/Leather
Candice Methe; Earrings
Breena Buettner; Porcelain Studs

"Shop by Artist" online or use the search function to find these one of a kind pieces!
@chickensarecuter @maura_wright @valkyrie_ceramics @didemmert_pottery @jessicabrandl @jamiebatesslone @maggiejaszczak @bartel_tom @lauren_smith_pottery @candice_methe @breenabuettner
Join us on Thursday, September 21st at 6:30 pm MDT Join us on Thursday, September 21st at 6:30 pm MDT as former long term resident artist Adam Field @adamfieldpottery presents Bread and Butter, a demonstration and conversation around developing and maintaining a sustainable studio practice and career. Engage with Adam through audience Q&A as he demonstrates two of his most frequented forms while sharing his experiences as a full time professional artist. Free and open to the public!

Attend in person at the Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement or live stream online. (Link in bio)
#archiebray  #archiebrayfoundation
The Bray residency application is open! Visit the The Bray residency application is open! Visit the link in our bio to learn more, applications for 2024 residencies are due by November 15. Tell your friends!
Happy Labor Day to our staff (pictured), residents Happy Labor Day to our staff (pictured), residents, board, supporters and customers! And a special shout out to those who work hard to protect workers' rights. Thank you all for making our world a better place to live and work in.

The Bray is closed today and will reopen tomorrow for regular business hours.
Repost from @godspajamas • I think it will take Repost from @godspajamas
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I think it will take a long time for me to process everything I learned this summer... For now, thank you @archie_bray 🧱
The Meloy Stevenson Award of Distinction was creat The Meloy Stevenson Award of Distinction was created in 2001 to acknowledge outstanding service to the Archie Bray Foundation and is granted to individuals whose commitment has helped to sustain the Bray as “a fine place to work.” We have two very deserving recipients this year, Suzanne Taunt and Tim Speyer. They are both particularly special to the Bray as they embody a consistent commitment to the genuine personal connection that makes this place sing.

A long-time supporter of the Bray, Suzanne Taunt and her late husband Robert had a vision for expanding support for the residents by providing fellowships and scholarships. And you may think, well of course that's good idea, but you have to understand a bit more about the depth of where this came from. Suzanne folded the Bray and its residents into her life in an amazing way, whether it was stopping to pick something up from the Bray on the way home, hosting one of her wild summer croquet parties with the residents or stocking the resident kitchen with pots and pans. Suzanne brings a generosity of spirit that is foundational to what we do here, it is what makes this place special. 

Tim Speyer is one of those special people who is a teacher, and we don’t mean someone who teaches for a living, although he has done that also – we mean one of those extraordinary human beings who just teaches, in all he does. A former board member and long-time supporter of the Bray he is incredibly modest, has the best handshake, is the most thoughtful. His quiet and constant support to this community and many others has lifted spirits, altered trajectories, and changed lives. Tim has been an incredible supporter of our resident artists over the years, providing friendship and encouragement to so many. He is a strategic thinker in the best sense, an activist who seeds change on multiple levels. Tim was an early and strong advocate for the Bray’s sustainable growth. He was instrumental in the Bray’s ability to hire a dedicated Development Director as a way of increasing our capacity and reach. The way that Tim works, he lifts, he always lifts, whether it is an individual artist or an organization, he makes achievements possible.
The Bray Residency Program provides space, resourc The Bray Residency Program provides space, resources and time for artists to focus intensely on their craft, explore new ideas and techniques, and push their work to new levels. The application deadline for 2024 residencies is NOVEMBER 15, 2023. Mark your calendars! (Slideroom portal opens in September)

#archiebray #archiebrayresidency #thebray #erikanjallen @erika.nj.allen.studio
THIS SUNDAY, 2PM MDT, SPECIAL VISITING ARTIST LECT THIS SUNDAY, 2PM MDT, SPECIAL VISITING ARTIST LECTURE BY PAOLO PORELLI!

Support, engage with, and learn from current Bray Visiting Artist Paolo Porelli @paoloporelli as he discusses his practice and current exhibition Figure Out; Catastrophe or Regeneration, now on view at The Holter Museum of Art. @holtermuseum Join us locally in the Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement or join the talk virtually using the link in our bio. 

With his sculpture, Porelli wants to provide access to an archetypal dimension of reality, condensing surrealist contaminations, Pop proliferations and archaic symbolism in his visual language. The anthropomorphic inventions that he elaborates produce an estrangement effect of the figuration, creating iconographic absurdities and a new mythology of the present. With his human repertory, Porelli emphasizes the critical issues of contemporary mankind and all the phenomena that underlie society, including the unsustainability of civilization as a development model and its incompatibility with nature.

Porelli has participated in artist residencies and conferences in America, China and Europe, including The Clay Studio and The Archie Bray Foundation in the United States, Jingdezhen International Studio and Blanc de Chine ICAA in China, EKCW in the Netherlands and the Woodman Family Foundation in Italy. He has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Italy and abroad (China, South Korea, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the USA). Together with Lori-Ann Touchette, he founded CRETA Rome, an international center of ceramics and the arts in 2012. In 2021, he was elected a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. 

#archiebray #paoloporelli #thebray @archie_bray
Brick by Brick Mini Auction Closes TODAY! (Friday, Brick by Brick Mini Auction Closes TODAY! (Friday, 7:00 pm Mountain Time) Auction proceeds support Bray programs, including the Bray's @brickyardnetwork

We are celebrating the second year of the Bray’s Brickyard Podcast Network as well as Tales of a Red Clay Rambler’s (TRCR) 11 years! The artists represented in this online mini auction have all been featured on TRCR and you will find a link to their podcast episodes in the item descriptions online. 

Brickyard Network Featured Artists Include Juan Barroso @juan_barroso_art , HP Bloomer @hpbloomer , Eric Botbyl @ericbotbyl , Kaitlyn Brennan @kaitlynabrennan , Chotsani Elaine Dean @chotsanielaine , Mike Cinelli @mike_cinelli , Adrienne Eliades @bugaboo_eyes , Susan Feagin @susanfeagin , Bill Griffith, Michael Kline @klineola , Roberto Lugo @robertolugowithoutwax , Courtney Martin @courtneymartinpotter , Forrest Middelton @flmceramics , Sarah Pike @sarahpikepottery , Masa Sasaki @masasasakiceramics , and Dustin Yeager (Ceramics & Theory) @ceramicsandtheory @carterpottery 

Hop over to the auction at the link in our bio and place your bids!
Bid today! The Brick by Brick Mini Auction feature Bid today! The Brick by Brick Mini Auction features work by guests of the Bray's Brickyard Podcast Network. Bids will be accepted until 7:00 pm MDT FRIDAY. (Aug 18) Pictured: Plates by Forrest Lesch-Middelton @flmceramics , featured on Tales of a Red Clay Rambler, episode 193. 

"Aside from just the impact of being interviewed and that disseminated to such a wide audience, as an artist it is important to speak your own story from time to time rather than it just being inferred. The collaborative work I've done with Arash Shirinbab deserved an audience beyond my own sphere, and it was so important and helpful to have a forum with Ben Carter that allowed us to speak about why we felt that work was important." 

Proceeds from this mini auction will support the Bray and its programs, including the Brickyard Podcast Network. Link in bio. 

@brickyardnetwork @archie_bray @carterpottery
Brick by Brick Mini Auction is OPEN! The mini auct Brick by Brick Mini Auction is OPEN! The mini auction features work by guests of the Bray's Brickyard Podcast Network. @brickyardnetwork Pictured: Roberto Lugo @robertolugowithoutwax is pleased to present the “Fighting Shirley” collection, a limited edition pottery launch that celebrates the late activist and political trailblazer, Shirley Chisholm (1924 - 2005).

Elected to Congress in 1968, Chisholm was a champion of racial and gender equality who fought for educational reform, policies to improve the lives of those facing poverty, and ending the Vietnam War. During her seven terms representing the great state of New York, Shirley Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and became the first Black woman to join the House Rules Committee. In 1971, Chisholm also helped found the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Shirley Chisholm sought the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972 under the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed,” becoming the first African American woman to do so. Although her campaign was plagued by discriminatory opposition, many rallied along the “Chisholm Trail” as Shirley entered 12 primaries and earned 10% of the delegates’ votes. Chisholm’s legacy is embodied best in her own words: “I am and always will be a catalyst for change."

#archiebray #thebray #robertolugo #talesofaredclayrambler #brickyardnetwork @carterpottery
The Bray is, and always has been, a place made by The Bray is, and always has been, a place made by artists for artists. At its core, it has always been about people coming together to create community, make a difference, and share ideas, and we thank you for your involvement. Your donations of time, creativity, and financial and moral support have made a real impact. The Bray is thriving - becoming stronger and more connected.

With your help, we have supported artists at all stages and ages through residencies, educational programs, and gallery sales and provided materials and technical assistance to a broad range of people working in the Ceramic Arts. Thank you for your commitment and belief in The Bray’s mission. With your help, our goals, while ambitious, are achievable. Thanks to each of you, the future of The Bray is bright.

View the Honor Roll at the link in our bio. 

#archiebray #thebray
The NEW Bray Residency Application Deadline is Nov The NEW Bray Residency Application Deadline is November 15th, 2023 for 2024 residencies. Mark your calendars and tag your artist friends in the comments!
Register today! Fall Continuing Education Classes Register today! Fall Continuing Education Classes are open and include great options for all artist levels! Whether you want to experience making something out of clay with your hands for the first time, or are a professional ready to hone your skills, we have classes for everyone. Spots fill up fast, register at the link in our bio today! 

Pictured: Incoming long term resident artist, Austin Coudriet, @austincoudriet who is teaching Intro to Pottery and Introduction to Hand Building this session.
Coming next week! Brick by Brick Online Mini Aucti Coming next week! Brick by Brick Online Mini Auction Featuring Guests of Brickyard Podcast Network @brickyardnetwork @carterpottery 
Wednesday, August 16, 10 am through Friday, August 18, 7:00 pm MDT

Brought to you by the generous spirit of individual artists and community members, this auction series focuses on donated collections from artists or feature themes that are predominantly found at The Bray. Each mini auction's proceeds will go and support varying Bray programs and projects.

We are celebrating the second year of the Bray’s Brickyard Podcast Network as well as Tales of a Red Clay Rambler’s (TRCR) 11 years! The artists represented in this online mini auction have all been featured on TRCR and you will find a link to their podcast episodes in the item descriptions online. All artwork is on display in the Bray Sales Gallery window display. Featured Artists Include; Juan Barroso @juan_barroso_art , HP Bloomer @hpbloomer , Eric Botbyl @ericbotbyl , Kaitlyn Brennan @kaitlynabrennan , Chotsani Elaine Dean @chotsanielaine , Mike Cinelli @mike_cinelli , Adrienne Eliades @bugaboo_eyes , Susan Feagin @susanfeagin , Bill Griffith, Michael Kline @klineola , Roberto Lugo @robertolugowithoutwax , Courtney Martin @courtneymartinpotter , Forrest Middelton @flmceramics , Sarah Pike @sarahpikepottery , Masa Sasaki @masasasakiceramics , and Dustin Yeager (Ceramics & Theory) @ceramicsandtheory 

Bidding begins Wed, August 16th, 10:00 am MDT
Bidding closes Friday, August 18th, 7:00 pm MDT

Visit givergy.us/thebraybrickbybrick to view the work, register and bid! (Link in bio)
Grab a friend and come create at The Bray! Now off Grab a friend and come create at The Bray! Now offering 2-hour Experience Classes so you can let your imagination run wild and get your hands dirty! August classes include Dirty Date Night, Comics on Clay, Pints & Pals; Drinking Vessels on the Wheel and LGBTQ+ Clay at The Bray! We hope to see you there, register today at the link in bio to reserve your spot!
Repost from @mapsinstitute • MAPS recently spent Repost from @mapsinstitute
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MAPS recently spent time on set at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT, producing a short video on their First Fire program and the 2023 First Fire Artists: Anita Fields (Osage), Jared Tso (Dine), Tara McCoy (Cherokee), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara/ Lakota), and Raven Halfmoon (Caddo).

Special shout out to MAPS students, Amilia Blackcrow (Director) and Mitchrena Begay (Audio Assistant), Archie Bray staff, First Fire Artists, and the 
staff/students from Lame Deer High School. 

This video project is made possible with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Virginia A. Groot Foundation, Greater Montana Foundation, Archie Bray Foundation, and MAPS. 

The final product will be available for viewing in October 2023.  

Stay tuned…

To learn more about the above mentioned artists, and the Archie Bray, please visit: archiebray.org
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@archie_bray @neaarts @grootfoundation @cannupahanska @ravenhalfmoon @jaredtsopottery @nativefields @mccoy7882 
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#greatermontanafoundation #ceramics #indigenousceramics #clay #pitfire #filmmakers #artoftheinterview #mediaartsfestival #lamedeerhighschool #whatstorieswillyoutell
Repost from @ravenhalfmoon • The past 2 weeks wi Repost from @ravenhalfmoon
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The past 2 weeks with the First Fire Artists at the @archie_bray was a such an inspiring, rewarding and educational experience. This workshop was full of facility planning, panel discussions, knowledge sharing, lots of laughs and connectivity on our shared experiences as native artists. I am leaving with my heart warm and full. 

@cannupahanska (Mandan/ Hidatsa/ Arikara/ Lakota) | @ravenhalfmoon (Caddo) | @jaredtsopottery (Dine) | @nativefields (Osage) | Tara McCoy (Cherokee).

About the First Fire Site:
Conceptualized by Raven Halfmoon and Cannupa Hanska Luger, a new pit firing site at the Bray will be a facility for Indignous ceramic technologies. Luger has extensive experience building earth lodges as well as large sculptural projects. Halfmoon has vast knowledge of large-scale building techniques and understands the needs of the community engagement in the larger Helena area. Both Luger and Halfmoon will draw from knowledge of ancestral architecture to collaborate on the physical design, working with fabricators, engineers, architects, community and with The Bray’s on-site staff to construct a safe, honorable, and useful space. 

Luger and Halfmoon will work with The Bray’s Special Projects Manager and Education Manager to develop the blueprint for future programming and to implement protocols around the site’s use.

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#caddo #nativeamerican #contemporaryart #ceramics #museumcollection #clay #indigenous  #contemporarysculpture #2023 #museum #contemporaryceramics #gallery #exhibition #newmonuments #fineart #artwork #firstfire

This initiative is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia A. Groot Foundation. @neaarts @grootfoundation
Tonight! Join us for Artist Amplified with First F Tonight! Join us for Artist Amplified with First Fire Invited Artists as they share in conversation with one another their backgrounds, processes and their experience while here at the Bray. Tune in virtually at the link in bio or come out to the Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement at 6:30 pm MDT. 

First Fire Artists include Anita Fields @nativefields , Cannupa Hanska Luger @cannupahanska , Raven Halfmoon @ravenhalfmoon , Tara McCoy, Jared Tso @jaredtsopottery
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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.