archie bray foundation

A wonderful and unique place to be found in Helena....has gotten better and better through the years. It started with such notable and innovative ceramic artists as Voulkous and Shanner and has attracted world class artists in the 42 years I have lived in Helena. The facility has grown to include wonderful artists studios where visitors can see artists work, a permanent collection of work by past resident artists and expanded exhibition space.

On our way out of Helena on Easter Sunday we stopped here before heading, walked around and took photos at this wonderful artists paradise. Great sculptures and beautiful old beehive kilns. There was art everywhere you went.

This is one of the most memorable places we have ever been and if we had not been doing the Helena GeoTour, we would have missed this place entirely and it would have been such a shame if we had This foundation has some of the most unique, peculiar and colorful pieces of art I have ever seen and you could literally spend hours just trying to see everything here. Very peaceful and so interesting - a great place to spend an afternoon!

The Archie Bray Foundation is an old time brick kiln/works that was converted to an art pottery institute in about 1950 . Interns come from all over the world. It has been an anchor of the arts for Helena for almost 65 years. It is well worth a quick 5 minute drive around the grounds or a longer visit. Just to see what the old ruins combined with 65 years of artsy people have accomplished. Different and neat and no cost.

Strolling the grounds at the Archie Bray is like a trip through a history book on contemporary ceramic arts. A former brick yard, this is now a place for ceramic artists to concentrate on producing good work. There is a gallery to visit and beautiful grounds to stroll. If you are looking for something that is off the beaten track then don't miss a visit to the Archie Bray.

It is so interesting to walk through the grounds--and see all the new buildings as well. The Bray has really changed! Pieces of art stashed all over, in nooks and crannies--peaceful and fun to roam around!

I've lived in Helena for a while and had not made a trip out to the Archie Bray until reciently. It was well worth the trip, I can't believe it took me so long to go. It's located on the west side of town out towards Fort Harrison (side note you can stop and snoop around Fort Harrison if you like. It's an National Guard/ Army Reserve base where the Special Forces were founded. There is a small museum that is open daily and a thrift shop that is open on thursdays).Be sure when you stop into the Archie Bray to bring a camra, there is loads to explore and see. All the pieces that bust when they are baked in the kilns are scattered all about the property so there are lots of cool things to see. There are normaly 10-12 artist living out at Archie Bray during the summer and they have a shop where they sell their art. Also classes are offered for those interested in learning pottery.

We are Craftsmen (stained glass) so we may be a little more tuned in to creative craftwork. We had stayed nearby and only found out about this place from another group staying at our lodging that was there to shoot a documentary about this very interesting place that was an old brick factory. The grounds and galleries exhibited some amazing work with clay. I'm sure glad we found out about this treasure. Take your camera.

An incredible place to wander the grounds. Ceramic art is everywhere you look -- in open fields and every nook and cranny. And the artists who have left their work behind are, for the most part, very famous. This is a must see in Montana for anyone who is an artist or who appreciates fine art -- you won't feel the same once you've left it!

This is a great place to buy clay and materials. Tools of the trade and kilns. There are classes to take and professionals to teach you.