| Collection Room | 
| There is no item this month. Sorry about that but we do promise to have a brand new one for July!
For information, visit our Collection Room online. |
| MEDALTA MEMBERSHIP | 
Any time is a good time to become a member of Medalta but this summer may be a bit better than the rest. You see, Medicine Hat's One Book One Communitygroup will be releasing the name of its 2011 book. We've been sworn to secrecy but we do know what it is. The Clay Trade has come on board as a partner so when you, as a Medalta member, find a piece of artwork there that you just have to have, it's 10% off. To become a Medalta member, just register here. |
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| THE HIVE | 
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The next exhibition at the Hive is opening this Friday. It is called "Seven."
SEVEN is a group exhibition featuring work by:
Stephanie Dalla-Longa
Connor Kenney
Susan Knight
Wendy Struck
Susan Waters
Hayden Werezak
Kevin Werre
Opening Reception June 10, 2011, 7:00-10:00pm
The exhibition is part of the Downtown Roving Art Reception
Refreshments served
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| JAZZ FEST | 
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Medicine Hat's Jazz Festival is nearly upon us!
From June 20 - 26, this community is going to become a Jazz centre. The lineup is fantastic with performers like Sinne Eeg who is making her Canadian debut after making a name for herself in Europe.
On Thursday, June 23, the Alberta Latin Jazz All-Stars will be performing at Medalta's newly renovated Courtyard. Bring your chairs (even though there's a good chance you'll be on your feet dancing).
To see the full lineup, visit their website.
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| ESPLANADE | 
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Les Manning's solo exhibition, Common/Opposites, is on display at the Esplanade until June 19.
Common/Opposites presents the most recent works in clay by Les Manning, the internationally recognized ceramist based in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
The new work represents a shift in method for Manning who previously worked primarily with the wheel. The new work is primarily hand-built sculpture.
Medalta Members receive free admission to the Esplanade Art Gallery.
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| MONARCH THEATRE | 
| Over the next couple of weeks, the Monarch Theatre is showing Water for Elephants. Based on a New York Times Bestseller and starring Reese Witherspoon, it tells stories of circus life during the Great Depression.
Medalta Members get two free tickets to the Monarch Theatre.
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INSPIRE STUDIO. GALLERY. CAFE! | 
| Inspire Cafe has quickly proven itself to be one of Medicine Hat's favourite lunch spots. What you may not know is that they're also pretty busy in the evenings with live music or other events.
And what may be even more exciting is they're licensed now too! There's no better way to wash down home-made perogies than with a tasty Moosehead lager.
In addition to their cafe business, they have also been the lunch providers for our Coffee Cupping and Flower Arranging workshops.
If you want to keep up with them, your best bet is through their Facebook group.
Inspire has probably the best selection of local art, including Harvey Fix, Angie Cramer and - of course - Maureen Newton, who is one of the owners.
If you're a Medalta Member, show your card. You'll receive a 15% discount on meals, art or art classes.
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MEDICINE HAT FOLK MUSIC CLUB | 
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Members, guests and all of this year's many volunteers are invited to the End-of-the-Season Jam Party. If you would like to participate in the jam, please contact Bruce Dynes at 527-2600 or bjdynes@shaw.ca. Everyone is welcome!! If you're not sure, call Bruce and he will convince you! We are all going to have some fun! For those of you who do not play: please come and support the misicians and enjoy the music and refreshments. The Club will be providing goodies and there will be a cash bar. When: June 18 at 7:30pm Where: MEDALTA, in the Historic Clay District
To stay in touch, visit their website. |
THE CLAY TRADE | 
| This new gallery and pottery studio in downtown Medicine Hat - The Clay Trade is opening on Friday (June 10) at 7:00pm.
If you hold a current Medalta membership, the Clay Trade is hosting an exclusive opening for you at 6:00pm. (just before the Downtown Art Walk)
Featuring work by Les Manning, Dixie Baker, Jane MacKay, Xanthe Isbister, Koi Neng Liew and other ceramic artists.
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CINEMAGINE FILM FESTIVAL | 
| Here's a reminder: this year's French Film Festival - cIneMagine - is from June 10 - 12 at the Monarch Theatre.
2011 Festival Movies:
Incendies
10 1/2
The Child Prodigy
The Illusionist
2 Frogs in the West
Funkytown
Of Gods and Men
See the full program here
In addition, Medalta is the in-movie sponsor for the Saturday night feature, Funkytown.
To get people out to their movies, they have offered Medalta Members one free movie admission which we really think you should take advantage of.
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| GREAT LINKS | | These are our favourite websites - if you know of one that should be on this list, send us the link so we can check it out.
If it passes the smell test, we'll include it.
What is Medicine Hat?
Esplanade
Musing About Mud
ArtRubicon
Alberta Craft Council
Medicine Hat Media
Make Good
Rapscallion
Visual Musings
Xanthe Isbister
Koi Neng Liew
Aaron Nelson
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MEDALTA, in the
Historic Clay District 2011 |
JUNE!
Kids everywhere are watching the seconds tick down on another school year and are probably convinced time has actually slowed down. We're sure part of what has them so excited is the prospect of attending one of our summer kids' camps.
Just as we say 'see-you-later' to the artists visiting us from Ontario in May, we say 'nice-to-meet-you' to a whole new group for June. This group, headlined by Josh DeWeese is having artists' talks on June 9 & 13.
We're almost a month into summer hours now (9:30 - 5:00 daily) and the museum is open, despite the construction. As you may have seen in last month's newsletter, we have an excellent crew of interpreters to take you on a tour.
The first few weddings held in our new Reception Gallery have been excellent and we're looking forward to more as the summer goes on.
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KIDS SUMMER CLAY CAMPS
Every summer we offer clay camps for kids. They are offered through the Medicine Hat College's Continuing Studies program. Registration is limited so if you would like to register someone, please contact Medicine Hat College. CLAY MAGICClay Magic is a class where children learn and practice many handbuilding techniques in a fun & supportive atmosphere. - For ages 8 - 11 years old Session 1:- Where: Shaw Centre (Medalta Potteries). 713 Medalta Ave SE - When: 9:00am - Noon, Monday July 4 - Friday July 8 - Cost: $100.00 + GST Session 2:- Where: Shaw Centre (Medalta Potteries). 713 Medalta Ave SE - When: 9:00am - Noon, Monday August 8 - Friday August 12 - Cost: $100.00 + GST TEEN WHEELUncover the mysteries of the potters' wheel in this fun week of hands-on "throwing." Create pots or flatware under the guidance of an experienced instructor while learning new skills and making new friends. - For ages 12 - 17 years old Session 1:- Where: Shaw Centre (Medalta Potteries). 713 Medalta Ave SE - When: 1:00 - 4:00pm, Monday July 4 - Friday July 8 - Cost: $100.00 + GST Session 2:- Where: Shaw Centre (Medalta Potteries). 713 Medalta Ave SE - When: 1:00 - 4:00pm, Monday August 8 - Friday August 12 - Cost: $100.00 + GST Registration:Register for any of these sessions by contacting Medicine Hat College's Continuing Studies: 403.529.3844 or visit www.mhc.ab.ca/  |
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Shaw Centre Events
This month, we're hosting three non-consecutive days of Artists' Talks at Medalta's Shaw Centre. The first session was on June 6 (if you missed the invite, let us know and we'll get you on the invitation list) and featured four of the ten artists. This Thursday, June 9, Josh DeWeese will be giving his talk. In addition to his artwork, he was heavily involved with the Archie Bray Foundation for a number of years thus has a very interesting perspective to share. On Monday, June 13, the final five artists visiting us for the month will be giving their talks. This group comes from across Canada and United States. All talks start at 7:00pm and take place at Medalta's Shaw Centre. Light food and drinks are served. 
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Rotary Black & White Gala
We have high hopes for this event and if the early support is any indication, it's going to live up to those expectations. We couldn't believe our luck when Dr. Ken Sauer - a local community leader and current Chair for the Western Canadian Summer Games bid committee in Medicine Hat - agreed to act as one of our Masters of Ceremony for the event. Then we got even more great news when the Magic and Comedy of Trevor Moore came on board! He is one of the best personalities in Medicine Hat and opened for Rob Schneider when he was in the area this past spring. We had hoped to get these two together but weren't sure if it was possible. It turns out, it is. And for those of you wondering how you'll get home after a fine evening of wine, Ebel's Limousines offered limousine service, following the gala. We're still looking for sponsors at $2,500 and $500 so if you would like to be involved in this event, get in touch with Quentin Randall as soon as you can. We're hoping to wrap that portion of planning up by the end of June. Event Details: Saturday, October 15 Cocktails: 5:30pm Dinner: 7:00pm 6 course dinner with wine pairing 232 attendees expected (200 paid attendees, 32 sponsors) Ticket price: $100 + gst Live auction: 5 items, $1,000 reserve Silent auction: 50 items, $100 average value
Chef: Cypress Club Chef Brian Keyes Wine: Paul Howe MC: Dr. Ken Sauer and Magic & Comedy of Trevor Moore Live Auction Auctioneer: Rick Porter Ebel's Limousine is providing free limo shuttle service after dinner
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Construction
All this work is slowly coming to a close. It has been exciting and we now have a good sense of exactly what we have been waiting for.
The Kiln Room is starting to come together nicely. When complete, it's going to be our expanded gift shop and art gallery (the Squared Gallery to be exact). And in the centre of the room, on display for everyone, is the foundation of an original kiln from 1912. It's an exciting find for our archaeological friends and just looks cool to everyone else.
The Courtyard is so close to completion we can basically taste it (not literally, of course) and the Tony Schlachter pottery collection is on full display (including an exhibit in one of the beehive kilns).
The new road leading to Medalta is getting paved as I type this and the steel has been erected for our new entryway.
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Weddings at MEDALTA
The first few weddings hosted in our Reception Gallery are now in the books and the comments have been very positive. Congratulations to the happy couples! Have a look at the photo below to get a feel of the place.
If you would like to have an event at Medalta, send us an email and we'll do what we can to help you out.
Photo: Epic Photography (Jolaine Rayner)
Design: Borrowed Blue Wedding Design (Karri Montean) |
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Hobos and Quilts
Last year, we revealed a story about how Medicine Hat's beehive kilns became the best-priced hotel between Vancouver & St. John's. People riding boxcars across the country made a point of stopping here to rest their heads.
You always hope to inspire people and apparently this story did.
One of our volunteers liked this story so much that she actually decided to make a quilt, with the story in mind.
The result was a pretty fabulous 'hobo quilt.' What this does is extend our story. Apparently, in the 1930's, as these men & women travelled across the country looking for work and a place to rest, they developed a sort of code to communicate how they were treated.
If there are any Mad Men fans out there, you'll all remember that Dick Whitman's father was labelled a dishonest man after failing to pay a hobo whom he took in.
Anyways, given the hospitality Medicine Hat's factories showed most of the people who came in by rail, we're pretty confident that these factories were labelled as 'the place.'
And now the quilt is being raffled. Tickets are $2 each. We hope to sell all 1,000 tickets and will be making the draw at the Rotary Black & White Gala on October 15.
This is the hobo symbol which means "Here is the place." We imagine that this symbol was prominent in this area because of the relationship with people who rode boxcars across Canada.
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Detour
Even when it's easy to get down here, it's not easy. National Historic Sites can't be moved for convenience but we really do love where we are. It's just hard to get here.
And with all the road construction happening, it's even a bit more difficult. Don't let that deter you - here's a handy map from the Trans Canada Highway to our doorstep. |
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With construction slowly winding down and summer upon us (not officially until June 21 but still ...), we're already starting to get excited about our fundraiser in the fall. Tickets have already started to sell and sponsors are coming on board. It's going to be a really good event so we hope you're able to be involved in one way or another. As always, we are looking for more content for our newsletter. So if you have something specific you would like us to include, send it to us. Anything related to Western Canadian art and culture (specifically ceramics), Medicine Hat or industrial archaeology will be considered. And don't forget, if you're out and about, consider becoming a member of Medalta and take advantage of all the offers our friends have given you throughout the city. Thank you. Talk to you soon.
Quentin Randall
Medalta, in the Historic Clay District |
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