The Brickyard Bash began in 1984 to celebrate the purchase of the Bray family brickyard and to thank the community for its’ support. Under the direction of Kurt Weiser, the acquisition of 25 acres allowed for new studios, improvement to the clay business facilities, and according to Weiser, opportunities for the residents to “stretch out and do things they never did before”.

The annual Bray Benefit Auction attracts artists, collectors and life long supporters of the Bray from around the country. Artwork from over 80 ceramic artists is included in our Live, Silent, and Cup Auctions. This is the Bray’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps support the residency program. The Bray’s residency program supports artists by offering rent-free studios, subsidized material and firing costs, as well as direct funding through fellowships and stipends. The auction items are on display for the duration of the exhibition with the bidding closing at the Live Auction celebration and Brickyard Bash at the end of July.

This year, the closing reception, Live Auction and Brickyard Bash, took place on Saturday, July 28th, 2012.