Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Medalta in the Historic Clay District

POTTERY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 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. ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 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.

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 is celebrating 40 years in 2026 and is excited to highlight what Medalta hosts in the Historic Clay District. 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. medalta.org 403.529.1070 713 Medalta Ave. SE

On November 29, 1948, Walter Sailer jiggered 5,110 seven-inch plates in one eight-hour shift, one every five seconds. Together, the workers were able to produce a staggering 30,993 pieces that day.

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