There is nothing more enduring for me as an artist than working in clay. On so many levels clay connects me to the earth, to the world, and to ideas that flow across time. Working in clay is an ancient practice and a doorway to a universe of creativity. There are few words for how deep this feels, but just to say, the clay takes me places that surprise me every time.
Chere Jiusto is a returning resident artist at the Bray. A former student of Rudy Autio in Missoula, MT and Ben Steinzor in Buffalo, NY, she holds a BA in Fine Arts/Ceramics from the University of Montana. Recently retired from a career in historic preservation, she oversaw the stabilization of the Bray’s brickyard kilns with partners from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently working on documentation to designate the Archie Bray Foundation as a National Historic Landmark. Her ceramic work has focused on the intersection of art and tradition – tile making for historic buildings, individual hand-built pieces and thrown functional ware. She maintains a studio in Unionville at her mile-high home shared with her writer-husband Jim Robbins and the kids whenever they visit – Matt, Annika, Erin and Paul. She is forever grateful for life in Montana and her time with the Bray.
