The Archie Bray Foundation is actively committed to promoting, celebrating, and sustaining the ceramic arts through the residency program, education, gallery, ceramic materials and technology, and community engagement on a local, national, and international scale. In the words of Archie himself, The Bray makes available, “for all who are seriously and sincerely interested in any of the branches of the ceramic arts, a fine place to work”.
Through summer and long-term studio experiences, The Bray Resident Artist Program offers an unprecedented opportunity to work within a community of global artists actively creating new work. At The Bray, artists from around the world with a vast range of experiences and diverse aesthetic approaches, cultures and perspectives come together.
Residents of The Bray have the opportunity to be in a community with other makers to share discoveries, frustrations and triumphs, and work together over an extended period of time. Studio experiences at The Bray are as varied and unique as the individuals involved.
The Resident Program establishes life-long friendships and connections that open new paths, develop careers, and change lives.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
- 20 digital images of your recent work submitted as .jpgs
including title of piece, year made, materials and
dimensions. Your image files should be sized no
larger than 1800 x 1800 pixels at 72 dpi (approximately
6” x 6” at 300 dpi) - Letter of intent
- Artist statement
- Résumé/CV
- Contact information of three references who can speak
to your qualifications as a potential resident.
Please do not send letters of reference.
Residents are responsible for their own travel, housing and living expenses.
- There is no on-site housing for long-term or short-term residents and residents are expected to make their own travel and living arrangements.
- Affordable housing can be difficult to find in Helena; please reach out to us if you need assistance:
Apartments rent for $750 and up
Rooms in private homes start at about $450. - Most residents find it necessary to have a car.
- Residents are responsible for the cost of all materials and firing at The Bray and organizing additional assistance.
- Costs for firings are kept as low as possible, and are dependent on the kiln size and firing temperature.
- Fees range from $4 for a small electric test kiln to up to $500 for a six-day anagama wood kiln firing.
- Materials can be purchased at the Bray's Clay Business at discounted prices.
- Residents are responsible for hiring assistants to move larger works, build crates and other tasks related to specific on-site needs.