About Us

 
At the Clay Business, we provide everything a ceramic artist, hobbyist, or classroom could need or want. We produce clays on-site in Helena, Montana for every firing temperature and color, and we stock many more clays from Plainsman and Laguna. Everything you need to work with and finish your ceramic pieces—glazes, underglazes, tools, dry materials, and studio equipment—is all available in our Helena store, by phone, or online.

All Clay Biz staff are practicing ceramic artists, and we are happy to provide excellent technical support for our customers. For questions about clay, glazes, wheels, kilns and more, consult our new FAQ page (and submit a question there if you don’t see it already), or give us a call!

We are an authorized dealer for AMACO, Brent, Chinese Clay Art, Corelite, Coyote, Dolan, Giffin Grip, Kemper Tools, Laguna, Mason stains, Mayco, MKM, Mudtools, New England Hardboard, Nidec, Ohaus, Orton, Opulence, Peter Pugger, Plainsman Clays, North Star, Speedball, Skutt, Talisman, and Xiem.

A Brief History of the Clay Business

Just a few years after the Archie Bray Foundation was established, Ken Ferguson (Director, 1958-1964) started a small clay business to help support the foundation financially. The Clay Business grew enormously when Chip Clawson came on in 1977 and worked to expand the scope and quality of the business. In the decades since, The Clay Business has continued to be a valuable asset to the Foundation’s mission—all Clay Business profits go toward Foundation operations, and our staff provide ongoing technical and material support to the education and residency programs at the Bray.

Staff

Chuck Aydlett
Clay Business Manager

Jonathan Bashioum
Clay Production Manager and Accounting

Todd Pentico
Retail Manager

Bill Wilkey
Clay Production Manager

Ben Shane
Online Store Manager