The ASMSU Exit Gallery is hosting “Bray Days”, an exhibition of ceramics by current resident artists of the Archie Bray Foundation. The exhibition will be displayed in the Exit Gallery February 20th through March 9th. Bray artists Nick Bivins and Lindsay Pichaske will visit MSU for a day of demonstrations and lectures on Wednesday, February 22nd in the MSU ceramics studio, Haynes 108. There will be demonstrations from 9-12 and 1-4 pm, as well as a slide lectures during the afternoon session. That evening there will be a reception at 5:00 pm. All events are free and open to the public.

The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a public, nonprofit, educational institution in Helena, MT founded in 1951 by brick maker Archie Bray. Its primary mission is to provide an environment that stimulates creative work in ceramics and is internationally recognized as a gathering place for emerging and established ceramic artists. Each spring the MSU Ceramics Guild and the Exit Gallery collaborate in the organization of “Bray Days”, an exhibition which brings a selection of ceramic work by resident artists of the Archie Bray to MSU. The exhibition includes a variety of ceramic work from functional pottery to sculpture that often incorporates mixed media and this year will highlight two visiting artists. Featured artist Nick Bivins makes highly functional pottery with a modern, minimal aesthetic. Bivins says his work is “utilitarian pottery using a precise, clean and efficient geometric language,” and he “maintains an obsessive interest in looking for a personal definition of the perfectly handmade.” Lindsay Pichaske works more as a ceramic sculptor, creating animal forms out of inanimate materials that rely on touch to take shape, like clay, string, and hair. Pichaske is propelled by a desire to create a believable sense of life and is able to encompass intersections of the familiar and strange, beautiful and repugnant and the human and animal within her work.

“Bray Days” is sponsored by ASMSU Arts and Exhibits and the MSU Ceramics Guild. The Exit Gallery is located in Strand Union Building room 212, Montana State University in Bozeman. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. For more info please email asmsuexhibits@montana.edu