A New Approach
The Bray is committed to offering quality learning opportunities to support all student types and is embarking on exploring new formats of condensed learning from prominent artists in the field and throughout Montana. From conversation based seminars to hands on workshops we offer 1/2 day to two week programs year round. Learn more about upcoming workshop and seminars below.
Interested in proposing a seminar or workshop? Use this online form to submit your proposal. We conduct annual proposal reviews for up to three years in advance.
Upcoming Seminars and Workshops
Frames, Plaques, Wall Tiles, Oh My! - May 16th, 10am-4pm
In this one day, hands-on workshop learn how to create a wall piece with an embedded hanging device - from a wall tile with imagery, to a plaque with writing, or a ceramic frame! The day will include demonstrations on surface design, text in clay, and technical processes from making to displaying your work.
Underglaze painting and other glaze options will be available to create finished works available for pickup several weeks following the workshop. Some experience in clay is recommended, but all skill levels are welcome. All works created will be within a 14" square dimension due to time and firing realities. Students are encouraged to bring any source material - from textures to images - to spark your creativity!
Discover More About Eliza here.
Montana Educators – Receive OPI Renewal Units for Classes at The Bray!
DATES:
May 16th, 2026 10am-4pm
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Some experience in clay is recommended, but all skill levels are welcome (beginner's too!)
TUITION:
$125. Includes instructional time, course supplies, and studio access for duration of workshop for workshop related use. Please note: all travel, lodging, and meals are additional and the responsibility of participants (detailed below).
*A minimum of 9 is required to run the class
Registration below (orange button)
Print Your Landscape: Floral Design with Clay - June 4-7
Explore the beauty of Montana's landscape while learning how to bring nature into your ceramics! In this hands-on workshop, students will hike nearby Helena trails to gather inspiration for creating. Back in the studio, you’ll learn and explore a variety of techniques including throwing, altering, carving, inlay, newspaper transfers, and the use of spring molds. On the final day, students will design and arrange cut flowers in finished bisque vases made on the first day of class.
This immersive experience combines Montana’s natural beauty with creative exploration, giving students the opportunity to develop skills, experiment with form and surface, and enjoy a truly inspiring artistic process. Discover more about Marian Here.
Montana Educators – Receive OPI Renewal Units for Classes at The Bray!
DATES:
June 4-7, 2026
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Beginner with ability to hike
TUITION:
$620. Includes instructional time, course supplies, and studio access for workshop related use. Please note: all travel, lodging, and meals are additional and the responsibility of participants (detailed below).
*A minimum of 9 is required to run the class
Registration below (orange button)
Crafting Contemporary Mythologies - July 20-24
Bring stories to life through clay, fiber, and natural pigments in this week-long workshop. With the guidance of Priscilla Dobler Dzul, students will explore Maya mythologies and oral traditions as inspiration to create their own contemporary mythological sculptures. Each student will craft a small sculpture (approximately 6-12” in size), incorporating natural fibers and natural pigments for unique surface decoration.
This workshop encourages dialogue, cultural exchange, and creative exploration. The week will culminate in a special “Create & Share” evening, where students can share their mythological creations and enjoy Maya hot chocolate with one another.
Discover More About Priscilla Here.
Montana Educators – Receive OPI Renewal Units for Classes at The Bray!
DATES:
July 20-24, 2026
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Some experience in clay is recommended, but all skill levels are welcome (beginner's too!)
TUITION:
$725*. Includes instructional time, course supplies, and studio access for workshop related use. Please note: all travel, lodging, and meals are additional and the responsibility of participants (detailed below).
*Scholarship is available for this workshop - please see general "Scholarship Information" section further down on page for more details*
*A minimum of 9 is required to run the class
Registration below (orange button)
Thoughtful Pots - July 31 - August 9
What makes a good pot? In this workshop, Steve and Jake will ask students to consider the many decisions made when making pots in order to sharpen ones ideas and work. Beginning with the potter’s wheel and ending with a reduction firing, each step of the making process will be approached with deliberate intention throughout the 10 day workshop. Whether you normally work with earthenware, high fire porcelain, or anything in between, Steve and Jake will work with students to examine concepts, materials, and techniques in order to develop your own vocabulary for working with clay.
Discover More About Instructors Steve and Jake Here.
Montana Educators – Receive OPI Renewal Units for Classes at The Bray!
DATES:
July 31 - August 9, 2026
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Intermediate - Advanced
TUITION:
$1250. Includes instructional time, course supplies, and studio access for workshop related use. Please note: all travel, lodging, and meals are additional and the responsibility of participants (detailed below).
*A minimum of 9 is required to run the class
Registration below (orange button)
China Painting Today; Image, Ornament, Meaning - November 21-22
Explore China painting as a distinctive approach to image-making in ceramics, unfolding on fired surfaces through accumulation, revision, and repeated firing. This workshop frames China painting as both a historical practice and a contemporary mode of image-making, emphasizing image, pattern, and ornament as content.
Through demonstrations and guided studio work, students will learn material preparation, brushwork, pigment behavior, and firing considerations specific to China painting. Emphasis will be placed on developing imagery that responds to form, surface, and conceptual intent. This workshop is designed for artists of all levels, whether you are new to ceramics, a painter interested in exploring new media, or a practicing ceramicist looking to expand your skills.
Discover More About Bradley Here.
Montana Educators – Receive OPI Renewal Units for Classes at The Bray!
DATES:
November 21-22, 2026
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All Levels Welcome! (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
TUITION:
$310. Includes instructional time, course supplies, and studio access for workshop related use. Please note: all travel, lodging, and meals are additional and the responsibility of participants (detailed below).
*A minimum of 9 is required to run the class
Registration below (orange button)
Helpful Workshop Information
TRAVEL:
A car is highly recommended for getting to and from The Bray as our campus sits just outside city limits and public transportation, including Uber's and Lyft's are limited. Helena is spread out making walking and bicycling challenging.
If flying into Montana: Helena Region Airport (HLN) is the most convenient option but may have limited flight options. Bozeman (BZN), Missoula (MSO), and Great Falls (GTF) are also options approximately 1.5-2 hours driving distance from Helena. A rental car is required if flying into and out of other airports - NO bus systems run between these cities.
LODGING, & MEALS:
The Bray's campus does NOT have onsite housing, camping, or meals available.
There is a kitchenette within the education building which participants are welcome to use during their stay. This includes a: fridge, freezer, microwave, stovetop, oven, drip coffee maker, electric tea kettle, French press, pour over, sink, basic dishes, basic cook ware, and dishwasher. Rule of the kitchen = if you use it, you clean it.
Airbnb's are plentiful in the Helena area. The Lamplighter Inn & Suites is in close proximity to The Bray at 2.4 miles, and The Double Tree and The Great Northern are popular downtown hotels at approximately 3.5 miles from Bray campus.
RIDE / LODGING SHARE:
For those interested in ride or lodging shares, please email education@archiebray.org with:
- your name
- the workshop you are registered for
- preferred email address
and we will add you to a shared spread sheet for those interested in coordinating with one another.
OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS:
Helena and Montana are beautiful areas with plenty to see, enjoy, and do. Check out these websites for some ideas!
Scholarship Information
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Availability
Scholarship availability varies from each seminar and workshop. When scholarships are available, it will be noted in the seminar or workshop description.
We are working to make scholarships available for all seminars and workshops offered at The Bray.
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Eligibility
All ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are eligible to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are intended to support, and are awarded to individuals who meet any of the below qualifiers:
- would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial hardship
- would face difficulty attending without financial assistantship
- have routinely faced financial barriers in their pursuit of arts education
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Application
To apply for a scholarship to a seminar or workshop complete this online form which includes:
- Basic applicant information
- One page (+/- 500 words) Letter of Intent expressing what you hope to gain from the seminar or workshop and the impact you foresee it having on your creative pursuits and/or career. Additionally, please provide any relevant information to help us best understand your financial circumstances as related to attending the seminar or workshop.
- You may choose to upload an audio or video file in lieu of a written letter of intent (limit 4 minutes)
Past workshops and Seminars
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A New Direction With Overglaze
With Paul Lewing, September 2022
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Montana Art Educators Association
Spring Retreat, April 2022
