Joani & David's Travels: Thursday, May 29, 2014

Joani's research had found the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in west Helena, Montana. A recommendation from the very helpful receptionist in the Governor's office made it our priority for our last day.

The grounds almost seemed deserted. Joani found a pamphlet showing a map of the grounds, so we just started wandering around. There were ceramic pieces everywhere you looked!

We were allowed to go just about anywhere on the grounds, but must ask before entering individual studios.

Robert Harrison's Potter's Shrine, one of the few pieces on the property that bears an artist's name, features many of the different bricks made in the old factory.

There was an old brick factory on the grounds which included the unusual looking bee-hive kilns. The factory obviously had not been used in a very long time and most of the machinery was in bad repair, but they managed to decorate every corner with pieces of art, both large and small.

The remains of two 100 year old beehive kilns.

There was a really upscale gazebo where a lot of artwork was displayed. Well, maybe it would be better to say it was covered with artwork. It was hung on the walls and ceilings, leaned up against it and scattered in the grass all around it. It was really an interesting way to present a wide variety of works.

Pots, sculptures, bowls, teapots are scattered everywhere.

Seconds are placed in "the boneyard". They make for a very interesting and whimsical landscape.

What a feast for the eyes! It is as if the earth is bubbling with imagination and wonder!

I would love to share a morning cup 'a joe with these characters!

We worked our way around the grounds for a while and then found the working studios. They were open and we were told it was fine to wander around inside. There were less than a half dozen artists working, and the extremely laid back atmosphere was apparent.

Artist from all over the world apply for the chance to work at the Bray for up to 2 years. "Resident Artist" that are selected are given a studio and subsidized materials.

I have never seen so many different types of kilns!

Inside the studios, we saw many works in progress.

Another room full of kilns.

Back outside, it was like a treasure hunt!

Everywhere you looked there were remnants of the Western Clay Manufacturing Company that produced bricks from 1883 until 1961.

Another building housing a dozen studios.

Behind the old brick factory we found a wonderland of sculptures.

Aruina by Robert Harrison

There was a sales gallery where work from the many resident artists was on display (and on sale). Many of the artists were from out-of-state or other countries. The foundation apparently holds workshops and classes and people come here to learn new techniques.