 Immerse yourself into the world of ceramics by taking a class at the Bray! Below is information about one-night events and weekly classes that run for 4-8 weeks. Most classes are taught by current and past Bray resident artists. You'll find our artists join us from all over the country and even the world!
Class descriptions are posted online no later than 4 weeks before a session begins.
This session at a glance:
Corks and Clay with Kelly Stevenson (21 and older)
Beginning Ceramics for Young Artists
Spring Break: Handbuilding 101 for Young Artists
Beginning Ceramics: handbuilding and throwing
Intermediate Ceramics: emphasis on handbuilding and sculpting
Surface Decoration
Cone 10 Reduction and Soda Firing
For information about children and young artist classes, click here>
For information about instensive workshops, click here>
Upcoming Special Events
These are short, often one-night events. A perfect introduction to clay!
Corks and Clay with Kelly Stevenson
Friday, March 20 Register
7-9:00 pm (2-hour event)
$50
Friday, March 27 Register
7-9:00 pm (2-hour event)
$50 
Join us for a fun and creative night at the Bray sipping wine and working in clay. Each participant will have the opportunity to create two cocktail glasses using techniques from our very own resident artist who will demonstrate how to slab-build a cocktail cup with tar paper and a few select tools. This is a great opportunity to try clay for the first time or enjoy a night out with a friend. Simply bring yourself and clothes that can get dirty. No previous clay experience necessary. The Bray will dry, glaze and fire the cups made by participants and prepare them to be picked up two weeks after the event.
March 20: To view Class Preparation List, click here>
March 27: To view Class Preparation List, click here>
Beginning Ceramics for Young Artist
Eight Weeks: March 2–April 27 (no class March 23)
Monday evenings 5:30–7:30 pm
Taught by professional artist Anna Lee
$175 (includes clay, firing and access to tools)
This class is an introductory course designed to give young artists between the ages 10–16 a hands-on educational and artistic experience using clay. This class welcomes artists with no experience with clay but who are eager to learn! Participants will learn fundamental wheel throwing on the potter’s wheel, handbuilding and decorating techniques. Projects often include the making of cups, bowls and plates. Studio access is limited to class time. Everything will be provided for working in clay. There are no additional costs for this class.
To view Class Preparation List, click here>
Spring Break: Handbuilding 101 for Young Artists Register
Week-long: March 30–April 3
Monday–Friday 9 am–4 pm
Ages 8–13
Taught by professional artist Kendra Harvey
$275 (includes clay, firing and access to tools)
(Optional) $75 Early drop-off (7:30 am) and late pick-up (5:30 pm)
This class welcomes artists with no experience with clay but who are eager to learn! This introductory course is designed to give young artists between the ages 8–13 a hands-on, educational, and artistic experience using clay sculpturally. Participants will learn fundamental sculpting techniques such as coil building, pinching and handbuilding to create functional and non-functional work. Traditional surface design processes will be taught focusing on underglaze and glaze application. Studio access is limited to class time. Everything will be provided for working in clay. There are no additional costs for this class.
**For a flat fee, parents may elect to drop-off children early between 7:30–8:30 am and/or pick-up children between 4:30–5:30 pm all or any of the days. Children will be supervised and given clay to play with during these times. Please select this option at time of registration or, if possible, inform us that your child will be arriving early or staying late before the class begins.
To view Class Preparation List, click here>
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General Topics
These classes are taught regularly and are designed to introduce students to and build on foundational skills. Taking at least one introductory course is recommended before taking an intermediate course.
Beginning Ceramics: handbuilding and throwing
Eight Weeks: March 3–April 28 (no class March 24)
Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
Taught by professional artist Jon Bashioum
$200 (includes 50 lbs. clay, firing and access to tools)
Register
Eight Weeks: March 5–April 30 (no class March 26)
Thursday evenings 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
Taught by professional artist Todd Pentico
$200 (includes 50 lbs. clay, firing and access to tools)
Register
Beginning Ceramics is an introductory course designed to give students a hands-on educational and artistic experience using clay. This class is designed for novice students or individuals seeking to revisit the basics. Participants will learn fundamental making and decorating techniques including wheel throwing, handbuilding and glazing. Projects often include the making of cups, bowls and plates.
Tuesdays: To view Class Preparation List, click here>
Thursdays: To view Class Preparation List, click here>
Intermediate Ceramics: emphasis on handbuilding and sculpting
Eight Weeks: Tuesday, March 3–April 28 (no class March 24) Register
Tuesday mornings 10 am–1 pm
Taught by Bray resident Chase Travaille
$200 (includes unlimited firing)
This is an intermediate class with a focus on handbuilding and sculpture and creative approaches to clay away from the potter’s wheel. Students who are ready to expand upon the basic skills and ideas gained in Beginning Ceramics or an equivalent introductory course will enjoy this class. The resident artist instructor will demonstrate how they use handbuilding and sculpting in their own work. Techniques will include pinch methods, coil building, sculpting solid, press molds, sprig attachments and advanced finishing techniques to develop texture. Students may still use the potter’s wheel.
To view Class Preparation List, click here>
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Special Topics
These classes are unique to our current resident artists and are not taught regularly. Enjoy them while you can!
Surface Decoration Register
Eight Weeks: March 2–April 27 (no class March 23)
Monday evenings 6:30–9:30 pm
Taught by resident artist instructor Katriona Drijber
This class is open to all levels. $225 (includes unlimited firing)
This intermediate course will explore a range of ceramic decorative methods and allow students to personalize their work through a variety of fun techniques. Demonstrations will include the use of slip, sgraffito, carving and texturing, inlay, underglaze, glaze and china painting. After the demonstration, students will have an opportunity to work on their own projects incorporating what they have learned. Students are encouraged to bring images and design ideas.
To view Class Preparation List, click here>
Cone 10 Reduction and Soda Firing Register
Eight Weeks: March 3–April 28 (no class March 24)
Tuesday evenings 6:30–9:30 pm
Taught by resident artist instructor Stuart Gair
This class is open to all levels. $225 (includes unlimited firing)
This class offers students the opportunity for students to learn about firing in a cone 10 reduction atmosphere in a gas-powered, cone 10 reduction atmosphere with and without the addition of soda. Throughout the class, students will learn about reduction atmospheres and how adding soda to the firing impacts the outcome. Topics covered will include glaze formulation, kiln programming and kiln firing. Gair will demonstrate wheel throwing and coil building techniques. Students will load and unload two gas-powered kilns: a cone 10 reduction without soda and a cone 10 reduction with soda. Students will have access to the glaze lab to test and develop their own glazes.
**This class is replacing the Flameware course. We hope to run this class in the future and apologize for any inconvenience.
To view Class Preparation List, click here>
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Upcoming Classes
These are brief descriptions of classes in the upcoming session. Information will be added as details solidify. Class descriptions are posted online no later than 4 weeks before a session begins. Here are important dates for 2020 community classes. For information about upcoming session and class schedules, click here>
Beginning Throwing
Five Weeks: May 12–June 9
Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
Taught by resident artist instructor Jessica Brandl
$130 (includes 25 lbs. clay, firing and access to tools)
Beginning throwing is an introductory course designed to give students a hands-on educational and artistic experience using clay. This class is designed for novice students or individuals seeking to revisit the basics. Participants will learn fundamental making and decorating techniques including fundamental wheel throwing, construction and decoration. Projects often include the making of cups, bowls and plates.
Intermediate Ceramics: emphasis on handbuilding
Five Weeks: May 12–June 9
Tuesday mornings 10 am–1 pm
Instructor TBD
$130
This is an intermediate class with a focus on handbuilding techniques and creative approaches to clay away from the potter’s wheel. Students who are ready to expand upon the basic skills and ideas gained in Beginning Ceramics or an equivalent introductory course will enjoy this class. The resident artist instructor will demonstrate how they use handbuilding in their own work. Techniques often include pinch methods, coil building, slab construction and advanced finishing techniques. Students may still use the potter’s wheel.
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FAQ
How to register for a class:
1. Click a Register button to be taken to a secure registration site.
2. Scroll down to find the class and select "Qty" of registrations in the box below.
3. Enter coupon codes, if you have any. An empty coupon code box will appear after a "Qty" is entered.
4. Select "Continue" to progress to the payment page.
5. Fill out the contact form.
6. Fill out the payment information and select "Process".
7. To make changes to your order before processing, select "<" at the bottom left of the page to backtrack.
8. After processing, you will be taken to a new page and will receive emails confirming your registration. If this does not happen, there has been an error. Try again on a different device or request registration through an email to education@archiebray.org.
9. If online registration isn't your thing, email education@archiebray.org or call 406-443-3502 x11 to register.
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Payment and Discounts:
How do I pay for a class? Payment in full is due by the first class. Visa, MasterCard,
Discover, American Express and are accepted online and over the phone. Cash and check
are eligible for
registration over email and phone only.
Can I buy a gift certificate and how do I use it? Gift certificates can be purchased at the North Gallery or by calling 406/443-3502 x.18. If registering for a class online, enter the coupon code "GIFT" to delay payment and reserve your spot in the class. Bring your gift certificate to the first class. If a balance remains on the gift certificate, staff will record it for future use. If a class balance remains after the gift certificate is used, students can pay with cash or check at the first class or receive an email invoice to pay online with a credit card.
How do I cancel a registration and is a refund available?. If you are unable to attend the class, a refund, less an administrative fee of $25 is only available if requested no later than a week or seven days before your class begins, after which we cannot issue a refund. To cancel a registration and request a refund, fill out this online form for the quickest response. Cancellation requests can also be emailed to education@archiebray.org your request. Our office manager will issue and mail you a check. Processing may take up to 6 weeks. Clay and tools are not refundable once opened.
How do I use a coupon? If you have a coupon code, an empty coupon code box will appear after a "Qty" is entered.
Are there discounts available? If a student takes more than one class in session, multiple-class discounts may apply. Contact education@archiebray.org to inquire about available discounts. Coupon code ARCHIE no longer applies.
Are there scholarships available?
The Bray offers a limited number of scholarship opportunities under the Frances Senska Scholarship Fund to enable students and educators to attend classes at a reduced rate. Scholarships are intended to make educational opportunities available to the broadest population of students. Scholarships provide partial coverage for the cost of a class which allows a registrant to fully participate in the class without added costs. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and/or demonstrated seriousness of interest in the ceramic arts.
There is no deadline for these scholarships. Application submission is rolling and reviewed bi-monthly. Scholarships will be awarded prior to the start of a class session and while funds are available.
Fill out an application here online.
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How to prepare for your first class:
1. Read the description and corresponding Class Preparation List on the website. An email about your class will be sent after completing online registration. This should answer questions about what's included with your tuition, the class's duration and recommended supplies to bring. For more questions, email education@archiebray.org.
2. Gather materials and supplies.
Beginning Classes. Unless otherwise stated in the class description or Class Preparation List, beginning classes include everything that a beginning student will need to get started in ceramics: 50 lbs. of clay, unlimited access to the community class glazes and firings and tools to use for the duration of the course. Students should wear clothes that can get dirty and bring an apron and/or a towel.
Intermediate and Advanced Classes. Unless otherwise stated in the class description or Class Preparation List, students are responsible for providing their own clay and tools, which carry an additional cost beyond tuition paid at registration. Recommended clay and tools may be purchased at the Archie Bray Clay Business. For a campus map, click here>.
Clay. All classes, unless stated otherwise, recommend a mid-range, also known as cone 6, clay body. For your first class, bring at least 25 lbs. of the recommended clay, which is described in the class information, or your preferred cone 6 clay. A great place to start is A-Clay (light stoneware) or Wally’s (dark stoneware). Clay can be purchased at the Archie Bray Clay Business Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm or Saturday 9 am–1 pm.
Tools and other recommended materials. Most classes will recommend that you bring your preferred clay tools. On occasion, a class description will ask students to bring something specific. Tools can be purchased at the Archie Bray Clay Business Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm or Saturday 9 am–1 pm.
Special Topics. Specialty courses may be more expensive because they tuition includes the cost of additional materials or firings necessary for participation in the course content. In this case, participants get to enjoy exclusive access to materials and firings specific to the special topic course. Each class description and corresponding Class Preparation List will describe what is included in the cost of the class and what students should plan to bring to class.
Other Materials.
Be prepared to get dirty. All classes recommend that students wear clothing that can get dirty and bring a towel and/or apron.
Respirator or dust mask. While clay is fun and generally safe, long-term exposure to clay dust can be dangerous. For students who have a sensitivity to dust may want to have a dust mask in their toolkit just in case. When classes require students to work with plaster, dry materials or around a kiln, students are recommended to have a respirator. For an example, click here>.
3. Where to go for your first class. Your class will take place in the Education and Research Facility in one of our three classrooms unless otherwise stated. A staff member will be available 15 minutes before your first class to give new students a tour of the facility, answer questions, distribute pre-purchased materials and sell needed materials. For our location, click here>.
We don’t recommend missing the first class. Time is taken at the beginning of the first class to answer questions, help students settle into the flow of the studio, distribute pre-purchased materials and set a course for the session. We cannot guarantee that the instructor will have the time to revisit content discussed in the missed class. Beyond the first class, staff is available through appointment (education@archiebray.org) or generally Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm in the Education Facility. Pre-purchased materials will be available in a locker labeled with the student’s name by the first class. If you have yet to purchase clay and tools, we recommend purchasing clay and tools at the Archie Bray Clay Business and bringing them with you to the first class that you attend. If you have questions about the studio, email education@archiebray.org. For a campus map, click here>.
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What to expect during a class at the Bray.
What is the studio like? Classes are held in the Bray’s new 7,500 square-foot Education and Research Facility which opened during the fall of 2017. Fulfilling Archie’s dream of providing a "fine place to work" that stimulates creative work in ceramics and is "available for all who are seriously interested in any of the branches of the ceramic arts," this new studio contains large flexible classroom spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, a research library, plaster room and so much more! We hope to offer educational opportunities that give artists from the local community and around the country access to the spaces and resources they need to build new skills and develop their creative voices." To view images of the Education and Research Facility, click here>.
Staff. In addition to your instructor, the education program is staffed by the Education Manager, Studio Technician and a team of interns. To contact staff, email us at education@archiebray.org.
Hours. The Education Facility is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Classes that offer studio access outside of class time allow current students select access to facilities for the duration of their course. The Bray periodically hosts workshops and special events that occupy one or all studios limiting access for short periods. We do our best to inform students of studio closures on class calendars. To view current calendar, click here>.
Studio access. The Education and Research Facility is intended to serve an educational experience that is shared among artists of all ages and of all skill levels. Only students involved in current educational programming maintain access to the facility. The studio is generally open 24-hour a day, 7-days a week. Studio access begins with your first class and ends with your last class. The studio closes down for cleaning Monday mornings and Friday mornings from 9-11 am and between class sessions.
The Bray does not currently nor does it plan to offer studio rental. If our selection of classes and workshops do not meet your needs, you may consider applying for a residency. For more information about our artist-in-residence program, click here>
Clay recycling. If you are interested in acquiring and recycling the clay refuse from the Education Program, please contact education@archiebray.org.
Guests. The public is welcome to wander through the studio during business hours, which is considered 9 am–5 pm. Only current students of a class or workshop are allowed to use the facilities. For permission to bring a guest to a class, please contact education@archiebray.org. Children that are not participating in the Young Artist Program are expected to be supervised by a parent or guardian when on the Bray grounds. Please do not bring children to Adult Community Classes or open studio time. We offer children’s classes for their enjoyment. For information about children and young artist classes, click here.
Animals are not allowed in the studio or in any building on the Bray grounds. While dogs are not allowed in any Bray facility, they may be outside on the grounds if on a leash. Please pick up after your dog.
Smoking. No smoking is allowed in any building on the Bray grounds. If you smoke outside, please throw your cigarette butts in the receptacles outside.
What classes are offered and how often? Every class session is 4-8 weeks long and will include at least a class for beginners and a class for intermediate students but often also includes special topics. If you are interested in a topic, email your request to education@archiebray.org. Classes are taught by our current and past resident artists. For more information about our artist-in-residence program, click here>.
Schedule. A current class calendar will be provided at the first class and will include all class times to help you can plan your studio visits, firings, studio closures, events, workshops, exhibition openings, artist talks and anything else you may need to know. To view current calendar, click here>.
Upcoming class sessions. Class descriptions are posted online no later than 4 weeks before a session begins. Here are important dates for 2020 community classes. Click here for upcoming classes.
8-week Session 1 (winter): January 6–February 27, 2020.
8-week Session 2 (spring): March 1–April 30, 2020.
5-week Session 3 (late spring): May 10–June 10, 2020.
No community classes currently scheduled between June 5–July 27, 2020.See Summer Workshop schedule
6-week Session 4 (summer): July 28–September 3, 2020.
6-week Session 5 (early fall): September 6–October 15, 2020.
8-week Session 6 (fall): October 19–December 17, 2020.
2021 dates and classes will be posted online by December 10, 2020.
How big are class sizes? Class sizes vary between 8-16 students.
Are there additional costs beyond the tuition paid at registration? Each class description and the corresponding Class Preparation List will explain what is included in the cost of the class and what students should expect to bring. Click to find out more about what's included in the class tuition.
Generally, beginning courses included everything a beginning student needs to get started. Most beginning students will not incur extra fees during the course unless they choose to purchase additional clay or tools beyond what is provided. To conserve use of clay, ask your instructor about recycling clay.
Intermediate, advanced and special topic courses expect students to bring their preferred clay and tools which will be an additional cost. Use of studio glazes and participation in community class firings are included in the price of the class. Students will only pay for firings if they opt to fire work in Education's On-Demand service or at the Clay Business. Click to find out more about the Unlimited Firing Service.
What if you must miss a class? Most classes are flexible enough to occasionally miss a class. We cannot guarantee, however, that the instructor will have time to revisit content discussed in the missed class. If you know you will miss a class, email education@archiebray to let us know in which class you are enrolled, the date(s) you will be absent and your name. We will forward it to your instructor if sent with enough advance notice to do so before class.
We don’t recommend missing the first class. Time is taken at the beginning of the first class to answer questions, help students settle into the flow of the studio, distribute pre-purchased materials and set a course for the session. We cannot guarantee that the instructor will have the time to revisit content discussed in the missed class. Beyond the first class, staff is available through appointment (education@archiebray.org) or generally Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm in the Education Facility. Pre-purchased materials will be available in a locker labeled with the student’s name by the first class. If you have yet to purchase clay and tools, we recommend purchasing clay and tools at the Archie Bray Clay Business and bringing them with you to the first class that you attend. If you have questions about the studio, email education@archiebray.org.
What is included with class tuition that is paid at registration? Students are encouraged to read their class description and the corresponding Class Preparation List carefully. Each class is unique and the offerings can be nuanced. Generally, most classes will offer the following:
Class time. A 3-hour class that meets once per week for the duration of the session.
Studio access. When not in use by another class or special event, students enrolled in a class may use any of the studios and glazing areas. The degree of access may vary from session to session, class to class.
Lockers. Beginning on the first day of class and for the duration of the session through the last class, students get a locker for clay, tools and personal belongings. One locker is available per student due to limited availability. Students are expected to clean out lockers by the end of the last class unless otherwise stated.
Shelf. Beginning on the first day of class and for the duration of the session through the last class, students get a shelf—approximately 13” x 20” x 30" (h x w x d)—for work-in-progress. A student gets a shelf for each class that they take that session. Students are expected to clean off their shelf and remove any artwork from carts by the end of the last class, unless otherwise stated.
Unlimited Firing Service. Current students may glaze and fire an unlimited amount of artwork produced during this class session without added cost or burden of tracking. The goal of this service is to encourage making, experimentation, exploration and growth for students. It includes the use of the standard class glazes and firing of work in this session’s scheduled firings. This service applies to artwork produced as a result of class content or a student’s research during the session and not for commercial production work. Click to view this session's scheduled firings.
For the firing of artwork outside of the purview of the Education Program, students are encouraged to sign up for On-Demand firings or fire work at the Archie Bray Clay Business. We reserve the right to delay the firing of production work to make room for artwork produced as a result of education programming. Students who continue to abuse this service may be asked to leave.
Standard community studio glaze materials. These materials are made available as an extension of the Unlimited Firing Service and do not incur an added cost. These glazes are subject to change due to material availability and variability. Recipes can be made available from the Studio Technician or by emailing education@archiebray.org.
Cone 6 studio glazes: Oxblood, New Blanc, Oribe Green, Tomato Red, Grey/Blue Satin, Bright Matte Yellow, Gold Shino, Tea Dust, Fake Blue Celadon, Purple Chun, Yellow Salt, Matte Black, ABF Community Clear and Bates Clear
Terra Sigillatas: XX Saggar (Buff) and Newmans Red (Red)
Oxide color washes: Cobalt Blue Wash and Iron Red/Brown/Black Wash
Slips: Black Slip, White Slip and Randy's Flashing Slip
Wax
Other materials are made available in conjunction with a special topic. Materials beyond this list above that are the byproduct of programming such as test tiles and specialty glazes should be considered a limited-edition material. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
On-demand firings. For students that are making work outside of class projects or that is on a tighter timeline than our class schedule, there is the option of on-demand firings in our electric kilns. Students interested in this service should talk with the Studio Technician to arrange their first firing. For anyone familiar with the system, a kiln-sign up form is on the Kiln Room door. Students will be emailed an invoice at the end of session for firing fees.
Can I rent studio space? No. Access to Education and Research Facility is a privilege available to current students taking a class or a workshop. If our selection of classes and workshops do not meet your needs, you may consider applying for a residency. For more information about our artist-in-residence program, click here>.
Can someone outside of the Helena community take a community class? Yes! Every year students come to Helena to participate in our community class program. If this is of interest to you, contact education@archiebray.org to find out more. The Oddfellow Inn and Farm offers reasonable rates for artists connected to the Bray and is just up the road and can be contacted at oddfellow@mt.farm.
For any questions, email education@archiebray.org or call 406-443-3502 x11.
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