MEDALTA

Crossroads – Evan Hobart Ceramic Art

Quentin — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:15:11 +0000

Medalta 2011 ceramic artist Evan Hobart is exhibiting new work in Medalta’s Yuill Family Gallery through the month of June, with an Opening Reception & Artist Talk on June 1.

Evan arrived at Medalta in the fall of 2011 for a year-long residency and this exhibition is the first in our summer series.

Evan has been busy since he arrived from California. His work is influenced by his surroundings, which has lead him to re-create a ceramic Albertasaurus skull, bear skulls, all infused with industrialization.

This is an excellent show – Evan’s work always evokes dramatic responses from its viewers.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the opening reception of Crossroads and meet this amazing artist.

Friday, June 1 @ 7:00pm
Medalta Yuill Family Gallery
NO CHARGE

Gary Fjellgaard & Valdy in Concert

Quentin — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:32:18 +0000

Two Canadian Juno Award Winners… for the price of one!

The Contenders!

Gary Fjellgaard and VALDY

plus special guests
Saskia & Darrel

Presented by/at : Medalta on May 31 at 7:30 PM
713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat
Partial proceeds to benefit Medalta
Tickets at the Medalta Office. 403.529.1070

An evening packed with fabulous music, friendship and laughter, stellar vocals and harmonies, and unbelievable musicianship. This is a show not to be missed!

Gary Fjellgaard and Valdy, two of the best-loved country/folk/and roots artists in Canada combine their talents once again. Separately and individually, they play close to 300 dates a year. They bring a series of warm-hearted and mostly original songs that cross easily between the country and folk genres.

Gary Fjellgaard was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, is a Juno winner and has 16 albums released. Valdy has recorded 14 albums — and sold more than half a million units. He has earned two Juno Awards.

Also performing; Prairiefolks; “Saskia & Darrel”, Saskatchewan Power Folk Duo, on the road with Gary the past 10 years, awarded top folk album in Holland, Aboriginal Artist, and nominated Song-Writer of the year in Saskatchewan.

Videos: Valdy and Gary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwDaZF9MNws&feature=player_embedded#!

Gary @ Winspear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODZ37j2GaWY

Saskia & Darrel, 3rd Ave Centre in Saskatoon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tgQcBczt5U

Maria Dunn in Concert

Quentin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:34:44 +0000

MARIA DUNN Tells stories about union organizers, internees & activists … the struggles of working people in Alberta’s early days … IN CONCERT

Troublemakers: Working Albertans

1900-1950 is coming to your community as part of 2012 Centennial Celebrations for both the Alberta Federation of Labour and Medalta Potteries. Appearing with Maria Dunn in concerts across Alberta will be well-known artists Shannon Johnson (fiddle) and Terry Morrison (guitar). Troublemakers combines video with live performance to present the history of working people in Alberta’s early days, depicting the resilience, hope, social skills and organizing abilities which brought them through the hard days of immigration, settlement, internment, exploitation and the Great Depression.

Tickets: $10
Available at Medalta (403.529.1070)

Available at Medicine Hat Labour Council (403.504.8001)

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Quentin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:39:13 +0000

Medalta has an amazing group of volunteers who are always willing to help bring our community, artistic & educational programming to life. Without them, Medalta would not be able to offer the programs which thousands in our community enjoy every year. This is a story about one of Medalta’s volunteers and community-builders, Bill Bauman.

Although Bill passed away in February, his legacy will live on in this community through his many volunteer efforts.

A COMMUNITY BUILDER’S LEGACY

Bill Bauman was a commuity-builder whose vision for Medalta was that it could be one of Alberta’s finest cultural assets. And he volunteered a great deal of time to make sure that happened.

In the early 2000’s, after about 15 years of struggling to keep MEDALTA from the wrecking ball, Bill felt that Medalta was on the verge of a huge leap forward. It was also still struggling to make ends meet.

So from his position as a Director on the Friends of Medalta board, Bill proposed a fundraising campaign which was soon named “Fire the Spirit of Industry.” He was one of the leaders of the campaign, often giving 40 hours each week. He was also a generous donor to the campaign. In fact, our resource library is named after him and his wife, Marion.

In the end, this campaign achieved its goal. Thanks to the work of people like Bill, who donated so much time and energy, Medalta is now celebrating 100 years, is a model for cultural and urban re-development, an international arts centre, a nationally recognized industrial museum and an innovative education centre.

Of course, Bill’s not the only one. There is a tremendous amount of volunteers who make Medicine Hat a better place to live
.
So to all our volunteers … THANK YOU. We really appreciate all you do.

Medalta Residency Deadline – APRIL 15

Quentin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:18:33 +0000

Time’s running out – if you’re thinking of applying for a Residency at Medalta, our deadline is approaching!

We have a great lineup of short and long-term opportunities available for you.

To apply, fill out our residency application form and submit your package by April 15.

256 Cubes Art Exhibition

Quentin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:17:23 +0000

Visiting artist Pia Gruter’s exhibition will feature work made in Medalta’s Shaw Centre studios between January & April 2012.

According to her project website – titled 256 Cubes – she “built a multiple-piece system of 256 ceramic cubes which are all seperated from each other, and thus variable to each other. This will form a flexible installation which I will arrange and rearrange at different locations.”

The exhibition, which will be on display in Medalta’s striking Yuill Family Gallery, will feature the project.

The opening reception will be on April 19 at 7:00pm, with remarks from the Artist.

It will be on display until April 26.

Ceramics Now

Quentin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:15 +0000

Come down to the Shaw Centre International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics for this free day of workshops with our resident artists.

All of our resident artists will be demonstrating various techniques throughout the day. From large figurative sculpture to expressive wheel thrown vessels, a variety of techniques will be covered in this relaxed environment where conversation is encouraged. This is a great chance to meet our resident artists and learn a little about the behind the scenes of their art practice.

Saturday, April 21
10:00am – 4:00pm
miair@medalta.org

3,000 Year Warranty

Quentin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:14:11 +0000

It turns out that back in 1928, MEDALTA Manager Charles Pratt, probably brimming with confidence after his pottery was dubbed ‘CANADA’S WEDGEWOOD,’ made a promise too good to keep secret.
During an interview with Maclean’s Magazine, he promised that if a piece of Medalta pottery or stoneware wore out before 3,000 years had passed, it could be returned for a refund of the original purchase price.
Now, as far as we can tell, no one at Medalta ever actually repealed the 3,000 YEAR WARRANTY. And until we find the proper paperwork (which may take a while …), it still stands.
So if you’re in MEDICINE HAT, Alberta and happen to have a worn-out piece of Medalta pottery (which is unlikely … we’re sure it’s the finest you can find), bring it by our MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP and we’ll cheerfully refund the original purchase price. Just as Pratt said.
And since the Museum is actually in Medalta (which just so happens to be a century old in 2012), why not take a TOUR while you’re here?
You’ll likely learn how your newly-refunded piece was created, in the factory which originally created it.

Medicine Hat College Visual Communications Exhibition

Quentin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:59:58 +0000

Medicine Hat College Visual Communications Exhibition

Opening Reception
8:00pm Friday, March 9

Medalta’s Yuill Family Gallery
713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat

Pickling Workshop with Joanne Smith – AUGUST 25

Quentin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:00:56 +0000

In this workshop, participants will learn how to make delicious pickles from scratch with Joanne Smith of the Big Cook Cookbook. All ingredients will be sourced locally and will be stored in Medicine Hat-made Medalta crocks, adding an extra level to the term “locally made.”

Joanne Smith is one of the authors of the bestselling Big Cook cookbook. And she writes a column for the Medicine Hat News. She is a Registered Dietician and her belief that knowledge can provide the means to attain a healthy lifestyle has lead to an active public-speaking schedule.

Saturday, August 25
10:00am – 2:00pm

$124.99 + gst

Includes:
Medalta one gallon crock
All ingredients
Lunch (Inspire Cafe)

info@medalta.org
403.529.1070

First 10 registered.