For Immediate Release
Archie Bray: Artistic Excellence and Experimentation
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the remains of a commercial brickyard, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts has had a worldwide influence on the artistic community. It has drawn artists such as Shoji Hamada, Bernard Leach and Tre Arenz to its kilns. The philosopher Soetsu Yanagi held a workshop there. The non-profit, educational institution has certainly realized its founder’s goal that it 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."
The Bray was founded in 1951 by Archie Bray, owner and manager of the Western Clay Manufacturing Company, and dedicated to the enrichment of the ceramic arts. Since that time, more than 200 ceramic artists from around the world have come to work, create, experiment and learn at the Bray. The Bray offers both short and long-term residency programs that give artists the chance to pursue their own unique approach to ceramics in a dynamic arts community. The Bray encourages ceramic artists to challenge their own interpretations of the medium, drawing inspiration from both the remains of the previous commercial brickyard and the diverse mix of artists in residence. Whether traditional, modern, experimental, sculptural, or a little bit of each, every style is welcome at the Bray.
But the Bray isn’t for ‘serious’ artists only; it is also a vital and vibrant part of the Helena arts community. Throughout the year the facility offers adult community classes in throwing and handbuilding for beginners or advanced students. The ever-popular "Ceramics for Kids" classes are offered year round, with special sessions in the summer. Workshops, community events, lectures, and self-guided walking tours are also a part of daily life at the Bray. The Archie Bray Foundation Gallery exhibits and sells the resident artist’s work. It also showcases a selection of the Bray’s permanent ceramics collection of more than 700 pieces, which includes work by well-known artists such as Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Peter Voulkos, Rudy Autio, Ken Ferguson and David Shaner.
Readers wanting more information on the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts should contact the Helena Chamber of Commerce at (406) 447-1530.
Editors or writers wanting more information should contact Helena Chamber of Commerce, at (406) 447-1530.
