Building Foundational Knowledge
The Bray’s Education Assistantship is an educational program designed to facilitate hands-on learning while providing space and time for emerging artists to investigate their creative goals and further their artistic practice. Operating through Education and Research, this program is open to anyone 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 throughout the Bray’s campus, individuals receive a well-rounded experience in all aspects of the ceramic field, including operational knowledge of running a nonprofit. Assistants will share communal tasks while also maintaining their assigned roles. These roles (detailed below) will be assigned based on studio need, experience, and individual assistant goals. Assistantships vary in length and are flexible in start and stop date (detailed below).
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.
Out-of-Area Assistants
Housing, Transportation and supplemental employment
We encourage applicants to apply from all geographical areas, but affordable housing can be challenging to find in the Helena area, and a vehicle is strongly recommended as there is minimal public transportation. All efforts will be made to assist out-of-area incoming assistants with housing, transportation, and supplemental employment as best possible, but assistants are responsible for securing their own housing, transportation, and supplemental income.
Remote Assistantship
Applicants who do not live in the local Helena area, and are unable to relocate for the assistantship but are interested in a “remote assistantship” should email education@archiebray.org directly. There are a limited number of remote positions, but accommodations will be made when possible for serious candidates. Benefits of remote assistantship will be detailed on a case by case basis to best support the assistants goals and situations.
Duration
Short term and long term assistantships are available.
Short term applicants are asked to commit to 3 months, and long term assistants are asked to commit to 6-12 months. Applicants will indicate their duration preferences, and be provided a place to share all relevant scheduling considerations in the application. The opportunity to reapply is available for up to two consecutive years. If you have any questions, please email education@archiebray.org
Expectations & Benefits
EXpectations of Assistantship
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25 hours a month towards designated tasks and roles
Assistants schedule their hours with the education manager (approximately six hours per week).
All efforts will be made to accommodate reasonable requests. If commitments and exchanged tasks are regularly of hardship, assistants 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 assistants, students, education manager, 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
- Assist students
- 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. Assistants are encouraged to provide or request feedback at any time outside of scheduled times – guidance on policy and procedure will be provided.)
Benefits of Assistantship
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24/7 Access
24/7 access to Education and Research Facility – use of workspace and communal tools for personal studio objectives and goals
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Personal shelf
Personal shelf (15 x 40 x 30”) and cubby (23 x 18 x 16”) for works in process, tools, personal items, etc.
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Clay
50 lbs. of Bray clay per month. Additional clay can be purchased at a discounted rate
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Discounts
Discounted firings, classes, gallery and clay business purchases
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$250 / month stipend
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Experience
Hands-on learning and experience – learn best practices and discover behind the scenes details of studio, administration, gallery and general operations required to run a leading ceramic institution
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Mentorship opportunities
Assistants are encouraged to ask questions and request studio visits to gain feedback and guidance in their personal studio practice
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Paid teaching opportunities
including guidance in teaching and course development
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Paid work opportunities
at The Bray, for resident artists, and for local-area professional artists as available
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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.
Tasks
Tasks and roles listed below can be expected but are subject to change as studio needs fluctuate. Multiple roles may be assigned to a single assistant depending on demand and hourly need. On the job training is provided.
*Requests and accommodations will be considered and upheld whenever possible, but requests cannot be guaranteed.
Studio Clean
Classroom
Administrative
Library
Clay Business
Gallery and Exhibitions
Studio Tech
Podcasts
Application
The Education Assistantship program is currently seeking 2-4 assistants for 2022-2023. Interested applicants should complete the application found here.
Applications will be reviewed throughout the year, with positions filled as needed. The first round of application reviews will be February 1, 2022 and then be reviewed monthly throughout the year.
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.
