PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Two western arts organizations have teamed up to advance critical and creative writing and thinking in the field of ceramic art. The Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, one of the nation's oldest residency programs is teaming up with one of the country's newest, the Jentel Foundation of Banner, Wyoming. The collaboration is aimed at developing opportunities for more informed and thoughtful critical writing about the ceramic arts on a national and international level, and further enriching the creative environment of both residency programs.

Starting in early May 2007, the Jentel Critic at the Bray will spend up to two weeks at the Archie Bray Foundation, meeting and learning about the Bray's Taunt, Lilian, and Lincoln fellows and their art, and experiencing firsthand the creative environment that helps nurture their work. May 15 through June 13 will be spent at Jentel, where writers can take advantage of the quiet environment to focus on developing the material gathered to produce three 500-word essays about the Bray fellowship artists and their artwork.

The Bray's Taunt, Lilian, and Lincoln fellowships are awarded annually to ceramic artists who demonstrate exceptional merit and promise. The beneficiaries of the fellowships are expected to embrace the Bray experience of community and exchange, and focus their attention of producing and exhibiting a significant body of work during their one-year residencies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications and supporting materials must be postmarked by September 15, 2006 and notifications will be made by November 15. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

DATES OF RESIDENCY
May 1-14, 2007 is spent at the Archie Bray Foundation
May 15 through June 13, 2007 will be spent at Jentel

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are asked to submit a 20-page writing sample along with a resume/cv, and three letters of recommendation. Writing samples may be photocopies of published work, or double-spaced, numbered, manuscript pages in 10- or 12-point font. Please include your name and the date of completion of the work, and do not send originals.
Applicants must be at least 25 years old and reside the United States. (U.S. citizenship is not a requirement.) The program is not open to students.

AWARD/STIPEND
The Bray provides housing while in Helena, and will pay the writer $1,500 upon completion of the three essays, (due July 1, 2007).
Jentel provides private accommodation, a separate studio, and a $400 stipend to help defray expenses. The stipend is distributed in four separate installments at the end of each week spent at Jentel.
Transportation to Jentel from the Bray is provided, but any additional travel and personal living expenses (e.g., food, phone, expenses related to the production of work) are the responsibility of the writer.

DEPOSIT
A $100 deposit is due within two weeks of notification/acceptance. The deposit is returned upon arrival at Jentel. If the writer cancels their commitment to participate in the Jentel Critic at the Bray residency after February 15, 2007, the deposit will not be refunded.

RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
Both foundations are deeply committed to providing an environment that supports the creative work of artists, and welcome hardworking artists who are serious about their intent. The artists who participate in the residency programs may or may not be well known or have proven themselves by publication or solo exhibition, but all show the ability to articulate a strong personal vision.

The Jentel Artist Residency Program is located on a 1000-acre plus working cattle ranch 20 miles southeast of Sheridan, Wyoming (population 18,500). Set in the rolling sage hills along Piney Creek with views of the Bighorn Mountains, the Jentel Artist Residency Program offers a spectacularly beautiful place and unfettered environment for visual artists and writers. The program provides a resource of time and space for artists of all genre to create their best work.

Jentel residents are at liberty to structure their own time and activity. They may choose to maintain their privacy or to engage with other residents and activities. The writer will be offered private, comfortably furnished accommodation and a light, airy workspace, but need to bring their own typewriter or laptop. Areas inside and outside are reserved for residents. Common spaces include a library, recreation area, and a great room. A large kitchen adjacent to the living area may be used for food and meal preparation.

The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is located three miles from downtown Helena, Montana, (population 25,000) on the 26-acre site of former brickyard. It was the first residency program in the US devoted solely to the ceramic arts, and since it was established in 1951, has served as a leading workplace for ceramic artists from around the world. While the historic brickyard and surrounding mountains contribute to the creative environment, more important is the dynamic arts community created by the residents themselves, and the Bray's rich history of creative experimentation and excellence.

PETS. Pets are not allowed at either facility.

SMOKING. Jentel is a smoke-free environment; smoking is not allowed in any of the buildings at the Archie Bray Foundation.