Building Foundational Knowledge
The Bray’s Educational Fellowship is an educational program designed to facilitate hands-on learning while providing space and time for emerging professionals to investigate their career goals and further their artistic practice. Operating through Education and Engagement, this program is open to individuals seeking foundational knowledge in studio and nonprofit operations. Preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing a career in the ceramic arts.
By assisting within Education and Engagement and across the Bray’s campus, individuals receive a well-rounded experience in all aspects of the ceramic field, including operational knowledge of running a nonprofit. Fellows share communal tasks while maintaining their own individually assigned roles. These roles (detailed below in the Bray Hours section) will be assigned based on studio and organizational need, experience, and individual fellow goals. Fellowships are six month terms and have quarterly start dates (Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1).
Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and self-identifying URM individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. If you’d like to learn more about The Bray’s commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion you may find it here. If you have any questions regarding the Education Assistantship program, please do not hesitate to email the Education Manager, Stephanie Seguin at education@archiebray.org.
Program Benefits
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25 Bray Hours a month towards designated tasks and roles
Participants schedule their hours with the Education Manager (approximately six hours per week, with some weeks accounting for more and others less dependent on time of year and events).
All efforts will be made to accommodate reasonable requests. If commitments and successful completion of Bray Hours are regularly of hardship, participants may be asked to reconsider their position. If hours are continuously exceeded, a reassessment of assistantship roles and responsibilities will be conducted.
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Work Closely and Professionally with:
Fellow participants, students, Education Manager, Studio and Classroom Facilitator, Bray staff and residents, and local area artists as necessary.
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Bring a Positive Attitude and Approach to the Studio
- Share your knowledge and perspectives
- Address issues as they arise
- Help students with questions
- Contact appropriate parties when necessary
- Maintain a clean personal and communal workspace
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Complete Feedback and Review Process
To ensure a positive and beneficial work experience for all parties, and provide scheduled opportunities to voice concerns and address issues in a formal setting. (Scheduled upon start date. Participants are encouraged to provide or request feedback at any time outside of scheduled times – guidance on policy and procedure will be provided.)
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$1800 Fellowship Award
one time award to support fellow's research and/or artistic pursuits
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24/7 Access
24/7 access to the Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement – use of workspace and communal tools for personal studio objectives and goals
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Mentorship
Weekly meetings allow space and time for Fellowship participants to ask questions while gaining feedback and guidance on their studio and career goals.
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Personal Shelves
Three Personal shelves, each (15 x 40 x 30”) and 3 cubbies, each (23 x 18 x 16”) for works in process, tools, personal items, etc.
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Experience
Hands-on learning and training opportunities through monthly Bray Hours (detailed below). Learn best practices and discover the behind the scenes details of studio, administration, and general operations required to run a leading ceramic institution
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Discounts
Discounted clay, firings, classes, gallery and clay business purchases
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Paid teaching opportunities
including guidance in teaching and course development
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Opportunities to connect
with the local arts community and professional artists in the field, with all reasonable effort taken to foster positive and lasting relationships.
Bray Hours
Bray Hours are primarily achieved through the below listed Fellowship Roles, in conjunction to shared communal tasks such as weekly studio clean, weekly fellowship meetings, and Artist Amplified events. Roles are designated on a monthly and bi-monthly basis dependent on organizational needs and fellow's expressed areas of interest.
All roles are designed to give fellows skills, tools, and experience to enhance their career prospects under the close guidance of Education Manager and Studio and Classroom Facilitator. Personal autonomy within provided structure is at the core of each role.
Roles are subject to change as studio and organization needs fluctuate. On the job training is provided. Requests will be considered and upheld whenever possible, but cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to ensure all reasonable accommodations are met.
Shadowing
Communal Tasks
Classroom Coordinator
Studio Tech
Communication Support
Library Coordinator
Development Support
Media Coordinator
Exhibitions and Events Support
Misc.
Out-of-Area Fellows
Housing, Transportation and Supplemental Employment
We encourage applicants to apply from all geographical areas, but affordable housing has become more challenging to find in the Helena area. A vehicle is also strongly recommended as there is minimal public transportation. All efforts will be made to assist out-of-area incoming fellows in lining up housing, transportation, and supplemental employment as best possible, however, fellows are responsible for securing their own housing, transportation, and supplemental income.
Application Process
*For 2025 we are accepting 2-3 fellows for the July - December term.
Applications are currently being accepted and will be reviewed by a committee in April of 2025 (more review process specifics to come in new year). Interested applicants should complete the application found here.
Please submit the following materials via the application form. Specific information on format and size can be found on the application form next to applicable section.
