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You are here: Home / Education / Adult Continuing Education Classes

Adult Continuing Education Classes

Joon Hee Kim Demonstrating

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 8 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 3 sessions annually, Winter (January-March) Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November).  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 2023 Session (April 3rd - May 26th)

  • Spring Session runs April 3rd - May 26th
  • Early Member Registration opens February 28th at 10am (via an emailed secure link)
  • General Registration opens March 7th at 10am (via this webpage)

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

Spring Session 2023 Continuing Education Classes

Narratively Speaking

Narratively Speaking

Mondays 6-9pm (April 3 – May 22)
Instructor: Kristy Moreno

Explore the art of storytelling through layered imagery to create dynamic surfaces with clay in this thought-provoking beginner level class! Join Kristy as she shows you how to translate your ideas from paper to clay to create one of a kind designs using a multitude of surface decoration possibilities including slips, underglazes, inlay, texturing, and more. Learn how to use basic building techniques to create a range of objects, from wall pieces to vessels, and receive guidance from your instructor on “intentional free-play” to explore your individualized interests in clay while building new skills. Discover more about the instructor and long term Resident Artist, Kristy Moreno, here.

*A minimum of 8 is required to run this class

Level: Best suited for Beginner level students

Cost: $275.  Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with your registration fees

REGISTER
Investigating Surface

Investigating Surface

Tuesdays 9am-12pm (April 4 – May 23)
Instructor: George McCauley

Dive deep into an investigation of surface treatment and decorative potential with local area artist and recent Fall Resident, George McCauley. Learn about majolica, stain, slip, underglaze, glaze, multi firing, brush selection, and mark making on bare clay. Discover traditional and nontraditional applications while exploring how to make it your own!  Using earthenware clay, and a grab bag of decorating techniques, students will create work for (and fire as a class!) a low temperature wood firing.  Students will then compare and contrast the results with an electric oxidation firing to see how the same techniques vary in different firings.  Discover more about George, here.

Level: Suggested for Intermediate level students

*A minimum of 8 is required to run this class

Level: Suggested for Intermediate - Advanced level students

Cost: $275 plus $35 Lab Fee*
Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with registration fees

*covers additional costs associated with atmospheric firing

REGISTER
From Flat To Fab Take Two

From Flat to Fab - Take Two

Tuesdays 6-9pm (April 4 – May 23)
Instructor: Austin Riddle

This class was so good the first time around, we just had to run it again! Designed for both new and returning students, you’re sure to gain incredible insight on working with clay from long term Resident Artist, Austin Riddle. In this “take two” version students can expect to expand the exploration of designing tableware and sculptures with the use of paper templates and clay slabs. Through curated assignments students will focus on developing form in conjunction with surface decoration and patterning.  As a group, you’ll push the limits of a Cricut Plotter machine to make unique patterns that will help you take your ideas from Flat to Fab.  Learn more about Austin, here.

*A minimum of 8 is required to run this class

Level: Best suited for Intermediate level students

Cost: $275. Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with registration fees

REGISTER
Approaching Clay The Beginners Way

Approaching Clay The Beginners Way

Wednesdays, 6-9pm (April 5 – May 24)
Instructor: Michaela Bromberek

One of the beauties of clay is its infinite avenues of discovery, but this can easily and quickly become overwhelming to beginning students. Worry not, as Approaching Clay The Beginners Way was developed to narrow in on the realm of possibilities. Join local area artist and recent Fall Resident, Michaela Bromberek, as she guides you through four seemingly simple techniques (two building and two decorating) which by themselves allow for a multitude of exploration! Discover how to leverage wheel thrown cylinders, and Kurinuki (a traditional Japanese handbuilding method) to create one of a kind functional ware. Then learn to utilize wax resist and slips to decorate your pieces with geometric and organic patterns. Vases, butter dishes, decorative baskets, salt and pepper shakers, and so much more are all possible in this beginning clay class!  Learn more about Michaela, here.

*A minimum of 8 is required to run this class

Level: An excellent class for Beginner students

Cost: $275.  Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with registration fees

CLASS FULL - email education@archiebray.org to be placed on the wait list
Playful Characters

PLAYFUL CHARACTERS

Fridays, 6-9pm (April 7 – May 26)
Instructor: Janina Myronowa

Uncover and create your very own Playful Characters in this figurative-based handbuilding class. Find your personalized path toward developing and creating stylized figures under the guidance of long term Resident Artist, Janina Myronowa.  Learn to confidently work with slabs, gain tips and tricks for refining your creations, and familiarize yourself with underglaze decorations. Students will be encouraged to challenge themselves to create a variety of figures in various scales.  Join Janina for an enjoyable, playful, and knowledge filled creative class. Discover more about Janina here.

*A minimum of 8 is required to run this class

Level: An excellent class for Intermediate level students

Cost: $275.  Please see FAQ section at bottom of page to see what's included with registration fees

REGISTER

Experience Levels

  • B-Icon-Brick-Red@2x

    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!

  • B-Icon-Brick-Gold

    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!

  • B-Icon-Brick-Green@2x

    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:

  • 24 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 pledge 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?

See our "Experience Levels" breakdown section on this page

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
Personal forming a vase on a clay wheel

Education Resources

  • B-Icon-stool-Green@2x
    Take a virtual class
  • B-Icon-ring-Gold@2x
    Discover our John C. Board Research Library
  • B-Icon-PodcastNetwork@2x
    Listen to podcasts on the brickyard network
  • B-Icon-Kiln-Aqua@2x
    Explore our grounds
  • B-Icon-Wheel-Maroon@2x
    Unearth your materials!
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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.