In the early 1900s, Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District distributed one-third of all clay in Canada. It withstood many misfortunes during its rebirth, including two fires and a flood, but there was always a group of passionate people to pick up and rebuild the broken pieces.
The Friends of Medalta Society transformed Medalta into the National Historic Site it is today. The non-profit organization preserves historic portions of the museum, creates with international ceramic artists, collaborates with community initiatives, and educates younger generations through field trips and summer camps.
There are human stories hidden in every brick, every piece of machinery and every piece of Medicine Hat-made pottery found today.
There are stories to tell, to be heard, and to remember in a place that continues to have a prominent role in Medicine Hat’s creative community.
Keep an eye on their website, social media, and newsletter for updates on special events throughout the year.
Must be pre-booked
Medalta hosts beginner, adult, and children programs in the Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, along with in-depth workshops for pottery artists. Join a Saturday Sampler, Date Night Pottery Class, or book a multi-week course and be introduced to Medicine Hat’s clay culture.
Live alongside other ceramic artists from around the world for one month or one year. The artists live on-site at IXL Industries, which is said to be Alberta’s oldest industrial site. And then learn, create, and teach inside Medalta, while having access to personal studio space, kilns, and materials.
Whether guided or self-guided, the museum highlights true stories about real people who worked day in and day out to produce pottery being distributed nation-wide. Historic pottery and machinery remain on display, including The Collectors’ Gallery ft. Tony Schlachter Collection. In 2008 Schlachter donated 2,500 pieces that represent nearly every factory that operated in Medicine Hat. It all began with a nondescript chicken waterer that Tony found on his farm in 1954.
Over 14,000 bricks create the iconic structure of the Beehive Kilns, relying completely on gravity to keep the overhead domes together. In the early 1900s, pottery was fired for 7 to 8 days, and then cooled for 1 to 2 days inside the Kilns. The high heat could evaporate a penny. Tour the Beehive Kilns during opening hours.
The pieces found in the gift shop are used with the same molds, colours, and machinery used in the early 1900s. Other pieces feature artists who’re in the internationally renowned Artists in Residence, and more Southern Alberta pottery artists.
In the winter months, Dinner in the Kiln is hosted inside the beehive structures. A five course meal is prepared by five local chefs, with drink pairings and a different theme each evening.
Behind Medalta in the Historic Clay District is Strathcona Island Park. Find the dirt path and stroll towards a paved trail to find cottonwood trees, the South Saskatchewan River, and wildlife.