Opportunities opened for ceramics students

In 1957, renowned artist Rudy Autio came to Missoula and molded the University of Montana’s ceramics program from scratch.

More than 50 years later, the proverbial house of kiln-heated clay that Autio built at UM has become one of the widest known and highest regarded ceramics programs in the nation.

“It’s one heck of a program,” said Trey Hill, UM assistant professor of ceramics.

Although this is Hill’s first semester with the program, he said UM was his first choice because of its location, rich history and inspired energy.

“I just see it going up and getting better,” Hill said. “There’s a whole new energy in ceramics.”

Hill and professor Beth Lo are the instructors for the ceramics department.

Although Lo is on sabbatical and couldn’t be reached for a comment, Hill said her contributions to the program have been invaluable.
“She is this program and she has been this program,” Hill said. “Beth’s just such a team player.”

Hill believes that the program at UM has thrived because of its connection to the Archie Bray Foundation, a Helena-based ceramics studio.

Founded in 1951, the Archie Bray Foundation has evolved from a brickyard to a 26-acre, state-of-the art ceramics facility.

According to Steven Young Lee, director of Archie Bray, artists in either the short- or long-term residency programs have access to a free studio and supplies for the length of their term.

Although the Bray doesn’t provide room or board—except for a monthly stipend that varies at differing levels of residencies—Lee said the free studio time and access to materials subsidizes much of the cost.

“We basically have everything (ceramic artists) would need,” Lee said.

He stated that the Bray emphasizes a community-based interaction among its residents. It also provides a “real-life situation” for the residents as to what it’s like to be a full-time ceramics artist.

“I just sort of help them figure out what they want to do next,” Lee said.

During the year, the Bray has 10 long-term residents whose terms last up to two years. In the summer months, the Bray adds 10 short-term residents to the mix. The short-term residencies can last anywhere between three and five months.

Kensuke Yamada, a Master of Fine Arts ceramic student, spent last summer as a short-term resident at the Bray. He describes it as “a heaven for ceramics people.”

“You have to go there and feel it,” Yamada said. “You get it once you’re there.”

Although Yamada admitted that being among such great artists was intimidating at first, he said the support he received from the community gave him the freedom to truly explore ceramics.

“It’s just a freedom,” Yamada said, adding that the community setting allowed the residents to work together and bond.

“That makes a strong connection,” Yamada said. “We critique each other, but it’s not like a school.”
“It’s a way to better yourself,” he said.

Hill, a former long-term Bray resident, said that UM’s location offers it a close connection to the foundation.

He said that Bray residents sometimes conduct workshops at UM, and also provide a networking system for residents both past and present.

“It’s just a special thing to have the relationship we do with Archie Bray,” Hill said. “For us be this close to the Bray is really a special thing.”

Eva Champagne, another MFA ceramics student, believes that in addition to the notoriety of the Bray, Montana offers the perfect environment for ceramic art.

Champagne said that past artists from the Bray, such as Autio and the nationally known Peter Voulkos, revolutionized the ceramics scene in Montana. She also added that widely-recognized ceramics artist David Shaner contributed to the “superstar” status of the state.

In addition to ceramics-rich history in Montana, she believes that the “down to earth” attitude shared by the artists truly makes the scene.

“It’s a great place to be,” Champagne said, and added that the community aspect of the art is emphasized in Montana.

Since ceramics art involves heavy lifting and kiln operating, Champagne said that working with someone else serves as an essential component to the art.

“You need help; you need friends,” Champagne said.

Hill remarked that the beauty of Montana is also a key component of the state’s ceramic allure.

“They fall in love with Montana and stay here,” Hill said.

He eagerly anticipates what is to come in the future of the program.

“There’s a new sense of energy,” he said.

Champagne shares this sense of inspired optimism about the UM ceramics program, as well as the Montana ceramics scene at large.

“Montana is about to blow up again really big time,” Champagne said.

steven.miller@umontana.edu