The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a public, nonprofit, educational institution founded in 1951 by brickmaker Archie Bray, who intended it to be "a place to make available for all who are seriously and sincerely interested in any of the branches of the ceramic arts, a fine place to work." It's primary mission is to provide an environment that stimulates creative work in ceramics.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bray is located three miles from downtown Helena, Montana, on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company. Set against the wooded foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the 26-acre former brickyard is internationally recognized as a gathering place for emerging and established ceramic artists. The nearby mountains and brick factory ruins provide a backdrop for the creative environment; more important is the dynamic arts community created by the resident artists that come to the Bray to work, share experiences, and explore new ideas.

Artist-in-Residence Program
The Artist-in-Residence program is the core of the Bray's activities, and has drawn artists from around the world for over 50 years. This tradition is based on the Bray's rich history, the raw potential of the facility, and the people who come to the Bray to work. It allows individuals to pursue personal artistic goals and stimulates an exchange of ideas by bringing together artists of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and approaches to clay.


Galleries and Grounds
The Archie Bray Foundation provides free access to some of the finest ceramic art found anywhere in the nation. The Pottery Gallery, open year-round, displays and sells work by resident artists. During the summer the Bray's 3,500-square foot Warehouse Gallery, a converted brickyard building, features an exhibition of work by current resident artists. Solo exhibitions by departing resident artists take place at different times during the year, and additional Bray exhibitions are held at galleries throughout the country.

The Bray grounds contain hundreds of ceramic artifacts and site-specific sculptures created by former resident artists. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds, and self-guided walking tours can be taken anytime during daylight hours. Special group tours can be arranged through the Bray office.

The permanent ceramics collection contains more than 1,000 pieces and continues to grow. It includes work of past residents as well as several historical pieces, including work by world-renowned artists Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Peter Voulkos, Rudy Autio, Ken Ferguson and David Shaner. A selection of can usually be viewed in the gallery.

Classes, Workshops and Events
The Bray offers educational opportunities at all levels—for those with a casual curiosity to accomplished artists seeking creative renewal. Community classes in throwing and handbuilding are offered quarterly for beginning through advanced students. "Young Artist" classes involve kindergarten through high-school age students in a variety of age appropriate clay projects. Classes, taught by resident artists, offer a unique learning opportunity for the Helena community.

Workshops bring leading experts on various areas of ceramics to the Bray to teach and inspire. Ranging from one day to two weeks, the workshops draw participants from across North America and cover topics as diverse as wood-firing and majolica decorating.

Receptions, open-house events, and slide presentations by visiting and resident artists take place throughout the year, and are designed to help nurture the public's appreciation for ceramics as an art form.


Clay Business
The Foundation operates a retail ceramic supply business with an extensive inventory of pre-mixed and dry clays. It also handles a complete line of studio equipment, glaze materials and ceramic literature. Profits generated by the clay business help support operations at the pottery.