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
Mid-Range Soda; Atmospheric Firing Seminar
Class Meets: 2-5 pm October 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th
Kiln Loading/Firing: October 17th
Kiln Unloading: October 24th
Instructor: Eliza Weber
Join Bray resident alum Eliza Weber for a four-week, hands on seminar exploring cone 6 soda firing. Through a curated slideshow, discussions, and guided kiln experience, you’ll gain an in depth introduction to this specialty firing technique while firing your own work! Begin by acquainting yourself with artists working with this firing process and glazing your works. In the following weeks, prepare and load a cross-draft soda kiln, participate in the firing, and conclude the course by unloading and reviewing the results together.
Students will bring finished bisqueware suited for cone 6 firing, and will have access to class glazes and slips within the seminar. Discover more about Eliza here.
*Some ceramics experience recommended. Plan to get anywhere from 1 medium sized sculptural piece to 10-20 functional pieces in the firing depending on group works and class size. With plenty of variables to consider, your instructor will be there to help navigate space realities in an equitable manner.
Before signing up, please note that to enroll in this seminar-style class it is necessary to:
- Be available for each class session.
- Understand there is no studio time/making time as a part of this class.
- Understand this class is intended for students who are enrolled in another Continuing Education class or have studio access elsewhere.
*A minimum of 6 is required to run this class
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Cost: $175
China Painting Today; Image, Ornament, Meaning - December 5-6
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:
December 5-6, 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
