Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (The Bray) was founded at the foothills of the Montana Rockies in 1951 by entrepreneur, brickmaker, and avid arts patron Archie Bray, who intended it to be a place to “make available for all who are seriously interested in the ceramic arts, a fine place to work.” The primary mission is to provide an environment and connection with other serious artists that stimulates creative work in ceramics.
Located on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company, the 26-acre historic brickyard campus has more than 17 buildings, including a 12,000-square-foot resident artist studio facility, a new education and research facility, multiple sales and exhibition galleries, renovated administrative offices, and a facility for ceramic retail and manufacturing. The property is open to artists, students, gallery visitors, and ceramic supply customers, as well as the general public for classes, gallery visits, retail activity, self-guided tours, and structured group visits.
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 community with other makers to share discoveries, frustrations and triumphs, and work
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
When applying please submit the following information:
- 1Preferred residency choices
- 2Résumé/CV
- 3A brief artist's statement
- 4Letter of intent stating your artistic goals and interests in The Bray's residency program
- 5Contact information of 3 people who can speak to your qualifications as a potential resident. List the name, affiliation, phone number, and email address. Reference letters will not be accepted
- 620 digital images of your recent work submitted as jpgs with title of the piece, year made, materials and dimensions
TIP *For good image quality and a fast upload, your image files must be sized around 1800 x 1800 pixels at 72 dpi (approximately 6" x 6" at 300 dpi). Please do not submit images smaller than this requirement.
YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 2023.
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.
- Onsite accommodations are only provided for Invited Visiting Artists in Residence.
- 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.
Many resident artists find it necessary to get a part-time job in Helena to help with their expenses.
There are select part-time opportunities at The Bray, including; teaching continuing education classes, which provide teaching experience; Bray Clay production assistant positions may become available and Bray residents may also put artwork in the Sales Gallery, although sales fluctuate depending on season and collector visitation.
Fellowships for year-long residents and scholarships for short-term summer residents are awarded annually. Visit the Fellowships & Scholarships page to learn about the financial opportunities available.