resident artist program
What defines a Bray residency and the reasons are for doing one turn out to be as varied and unique as the individuals involved. Some artists come to develop a portfolio for graduate school, some use their residency as a transition from school to establishing their own studio, and others see it as a chance to escape from daily routine and recharge their creative enthusiasm. For all artists, it is a period of time to focus intensely on their work, explore new ideas and techniques, and push their work to new levels.

Probably the most important reason for coming to the Bray is the opportunity to work within a community of artists actively creating art. At the Bray, artists from around the world with a vast range of experiences and diverse aesthetic approaches, cultures and perspectives come together. Sharing discoveries, frustrations and triumphs, and working together over an extended period of time establishes friendships and connections that open new paths, develop careers, and change lives.

Residencies range from a few months (short-term) to up to two years (long-term). New residents are chosen once a year in March by the Bray's director and a rotating jury of two other ceramic artists. The selections are based on the quality of the work, its artistic merit, and the diversity of the prospective group in terms of work, background, and stage of career development. The diversity of the group is very important; an undergraduate doing figurative sculpture may be working next to a retired professor making functional pots, and each will learn from and teach the other.

FACILITIES
Studio space is provided free to residents. There are eleven year-round studios. The Resident Artist Director and occupies one of the studios, leaving ten for incoming residents. Short-term residencies usually take place during the summer months. The summer studio building, open from May 15 through October 15, has space for ten additional artists.

Glazing and kiln facilities are shared. There is a library with a computer and internet access, and a photo room on-site.

The Bray operates a retail ceramic supply business, where residents may purchase their supplies at a discount.

The Bray gallery, open year-round, provides a space to exhibit and sell work, with the Bray taking a 1/3 commission on all sales. A larger warehouse gallery is open during the summer months, and is used for an annual exhibition of resident work and solo "farewell" exhibitions by departing long term resident artists.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITES AND EXPENSES
The Bray program is minimally structured, with no formal critiques or syllabi. Resident artists are expected to be self-motivated and help out with various tasks around the Bray. Residents meet as a group once a month to discuss upcoming events and issues that need to be addressed.

Resident Artist expenses include the cost of materials and firing at the Bray. Residents are also responsible for their own housing and living expenses.

Costs for firings are kept as low as possible, and are dependant 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.

There is no on-site housing, and residents make their own living arrangements. Affordable housing can be found in Helena: apartments rent for $400 and up, rooms in private homes start at about $200. Most residents find it necessary to have a car.

Some residents can meet their expenses by selling their work. Others find part-time jobs in Helena to help with expenses. There are opportunities for some resident artists to teach community classes, providing teaching experience and some income.

Two scholarships for short-term residents and four fellowships which provide a monthly stipend for long-term residents are awarded annually. Visit the Fellowships & Scholarships page to learn about the financial opportunities available.
APPLYING
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but are reviewed just once a year. To be considered, applications for summer and full-time residencies must be received at the Bray no later than March 1,2008. (The deadline to apply for one of the fellowships is also March 1.)
  1. One original and three copies of the application form (download the Residency and Fellowship Application in Adobe pdf format or contact the Bray office, 406-443-3502, or archiebray@archiebray.org)
  2. Twenty digital images of your recent work submitted as jpgs. Each image should be labeled with your name and image number (1-20) corresponding to your image list. Jpgs should be approximately 300 dpi at 3" x 5". Please do not send slides.
  3. Image list (one original and three copies)
  4. A brief artist's statement (one original and three copies)
  5. Résumé (one original and three copies)
  6. Reference Contact List, with contact 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 excepted.
  7. $20 nonrefundable application fee
  8. For return of disks: self-addressed, protective envelope with sufficient postage or national postal coupons.


    Your completed application must arrive to the Bray on or before March 1, 2008. .


    for some tips on applying, click here
Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
2915 Country Club Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Office Phone: 406-443-3502
Fax: 406-443-0934
E-Mail: archiebray@archiebray.org