Adult Continuing Education Classes

Join us for a class at The Bray!

Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to inspire your existing studio practice – The Bray offers Adult (16+) continuing education classes for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds! Our Continuing Education Classes are 10 weeks long and meet for 3 hours once a week! Students are taught by professional artists and have access to open studio time 7 days a week from 8am-10pm (outside of other scheduled classes) to practice what they're learning.

We offer 2 sessions annually, Spring and Fall. General registration typically opens 6 weeks prior to the start of classes, with early member registration opening a week before general registration. Become a member today to receive access to early registration!

DISCOVER BELOW:

Upcoming session information
Our current class offerings
Frequently asked questions
Our current classroom policies, details on experience levels, and our online classroom calendar!

Upcoming Session Information

Spring 2026 Classes run from February 7th-April 22nd (no classes the week of NCECA)
Spring 2026 Early Member Registration opens Tuesday, December 9th at 10:30am (via an emailed link)
Spring 2026 General Registration opens Tuesday, December 16th at 10:30am (via this webpage)
Fall 2026 Classes run from September 12th – November 18th
Fall 2026 Early Member Registration opens Tuesday, July 28th at 10:30am (via an emailed link)
Fall 2026 General Registration opens Tuesday, August 4th at 10:30am (via this webpage)

For questions, email our Education Coordinator at education@archiebray.org

Tools of the Trade

Saturdays 10am-1pm, February 7th – April 18th (No class March 28th; NCECA)
Instructor: Ayla Murray

Take your handbuilding to the next level by crafting the very tools that shape your work. Learn to design and build custom templates, ribs, and molds that open new possibilities in form and texture. Whether you’re a total beginner or have previous experience, this class blends creativity and problem-solving. Perfect for potters and sculptors alike who love to experiment and refine the creative process. Join Bray staff member and local area artist, Ayla Murray for demonstrations in handbuilding and tool making to elevate your handmade wares. Discover more about Ayla here.

*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Cost: $395
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees.

Creating a Canvas - Surface Exploration and Design

Mondays 6-9pm, February 9th – April 20th (No class March 23rd; NCECA)
Instructor: Marian Draper

Discover limitless finishing opportunities for your ceramic wares in this surface focused class and explore a variety of techniques with Bray Resident Marian Draper as your guide. From individualized, handmade stamps and water etching to the traditional techniques of sgraffito and Mishima – students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create depth and meaning within their ceramic canvas’. Marian will also showcase underglazes and her expertise in newsprint transfers. A must not miss class! Discover more about Marian here.

*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class

Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Cost: $410 ($395 + $15 Lab Fee for materials)
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees.

Class Full - Email education@archiebray.org to be placed on the waitlist

Welcome to the Wheel World - Tableware Edition

Tuesdays 6-9pm, February 10th – April 21st (No class March 24th; NCECA)
Instructor: Jake Brodsky

Join Bray Resident Artist Jake Brodsky and get started at the potter's wheel in this beginner level wheel throwing class! Students will learn many different parts of the pottery making process such as throwing, trimming, and glazing. We will focus our attention on making tableware so that you can leave this class with your own cups, bowls, and plates. All are welcome in this entry level class! Discover more about Jake here.

*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class

Level: Beginner!

Cost: $395
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees.

Class Full - Email education@archiebray.org to be placed on the waitlist

Day Clay

Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, February 11th – April 22nd (No class March 25th; NCECA)
Instructor: Eliza Weber

Gain guidance from Bray Resident Eliza Weber in both thrown and handbuilt forms in this beginner – intermediate level class. Through demonstrations determined collectively by you and your classmates, alongside group discussions, Eliza will focus this class on individual development of ideation and process. Tap into Eliza’s vast knowledge base gained over years of research and experience. Discover more about Eliza here.

*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Cost: $395
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees.

Class Full - Email education@archiebray.org to be placed on the waitlist

Give It a Spin: Beginner Wheel

Wednesdays 6-9pm, February 11th – April 22nd (No class March 25th; NCECA)
Instructor: Marian Draper

Looking to give the pottery wheel a try!? Look no further; this beginner level wheel class is just the place for you. Learn the basics of the wheel like throwing center, trimming, and the essentials of surface design such as glazing and sgrafitto. All are welcome to Give it a Spin with Bray Resident Marian Draper! Learn more about Marian here.

*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class

Level: Beginner!

Cost: $395
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees.

Class Full - Email education@archiebray.org to be placed on the waitlist

Experience Levels

Beginner

My experience in clay is limited or long ago, and I'm not very comfortable working independently. I'm seeking to learn basic clay techniques and am excited to have a good time while learning something new!
Intermediate

My understanding of clay basics is strong but I still have lot of questions. Having taken multiple classes before, I feel comfortable working independently but I'm ready to expand my knowledge and advance my skills!
Advanced

My clay knowledge is expansive! I have taken classes while exploring clay independently for years. At this stage, I am looking to challenge myself with new perspectives, insights, and understandings in clay!

FAQ

Do I have to take a class to use the space?

Yes. We do not offer any drop-in or studio rental options.

The Bray's Education and Research program offers unique educational opportunities for many student types through a variety of class formats. Continuing Education Classes are one component of our extensive programming.

We are not intended to function as a maker space or collective studio. However, Helena is home to a wonderful collective clay studio space The Clay Arts Guild, and we encourage you to check them out online or call to see if they're a good fit for you!

What do the registration fees include?

Included in your registration fee are:

30 hours instructional time
25 pounds of clay (clay type TBD by instructor)
All class firings (additional, individual or group firings can be purchased)
Studio access for the duration of the class
Personal studio shelf for works in progress, clay, etc.
Locker for personal items, tools, etc.
Access to the John C. Board Research Library, including check-out rights

Classes are subject to Lab Fees when applicable. Any lab fees will be listed with class listing, and will cover class materials that are not otherwise supplied.

How do you determine your registration fees?

Registration costs are calculated by factoring in:

Competitive Instructor Pay
- we aim to increase instructor pay annually to begin to address the significant cost of living increase our instructors face
Cost of Materials
- clay, glazes, & other studio supplies
Cost of Energy Usage for Firings
- gas & electric
Use and Maintenance of Space & Equipment
- wheels, kilns, etc.
Processing Labor
- loading kilns, mixing glazes, etc.
Administrative Labor
- coordinating & developing classes, updating website, registration, etc.

Curious to see how we compare to other arts organizations offering educational classes to the public? Discover More Here!

What if I can't make all the classes in a session?

Instructors plan curriculum and a class schedule for the full 8 week session so we encourage you to attend as many classes as possible. With that said, we understand that 'life happens' and you will not be penalized for missing any classes.

However, it is up to students to connect with classmates to go over what was missed and we encourage you to inform your instructor ahead of time of any planned absences.

We do not pro-rate classes.

What will I need?

Enrolled (registered) students will receive an email a week prior to class notifying them of any tools or special items they should bring to class.

In general, we attempt to keep additional student purchases to a minimum and provide most supplies free of charge. If your class requires more than a basic pottery tool kit, we will include a "lab fee" (listed clearly in the class description) and provide the tools and supplies needed.

How experienced do I need to be?

Classroom Calendar

Current Students

Use our online classroom calendar to see the most up-to-date classroom schedule. Select the month by using the tabs at the bottom of the spread sheet.
PLEASE NOTE: When viewing the calendar, if you leave your browsing session open, make sure to refresh your page to view the most recent version of the calendar. Classes are added as they develop, so refresh often!
See what classes are happening before making a trip!

Policies

Please read prior to taking a class with us

Click "Full Text" below to find information relevant to our Continuing Education Classes, and Facility Policies.
We appreciate you taking the time to better understand our policies. Please read prior to taking a class with us - we aim to keep it short and sweet so as not to waste your time!
Get the full text

Adult Continuing Education Classes

Join us for a class at The Bray!