Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts

Over sixty years ago, Archie Bray, Sr. founded what is known as the Pottery on the grounds of his brickyard, the Western Clay Manufacturing Company. Dedicated to the enrichment of the ceramic arts and providing an atmosphere of creative excellence for ceramic artists since 1951. Ceramic artists from around the world travel to Helena to work and study as they enrich their creative and artistic talents.

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the western edge of Helena, the Foundation would "make available for all who are seriously interested in the ceramic arts, a fine place to work," Bray once said.

In 1985, Bray was named to the National Register of Historic Places 100 years after the Western Clay Manufacturing Company was purchased by Helena brew master Nicholas Kessler, whose namesake brewery used natural springs adjacent to the clay works.

Archie Bray, Jr. ran the clay business after his father's death in 1931. A prominent local art patron, Bray died in 1953, only two years after founding the non-profit Archie Bray Foundation. More than 600 artists have worked at the Bray over the years.

The Bray sells pottery and sculpture, and also offers classes, workshops and exhibitions for the public. Discover through a self-guided tour the traditional and contemporary pottery, ceramics and sculpture. Please call or visit our website for tours and additional information.