by Carole Epp | Nov 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
In September 2009, the Friends of Medalta Society received over $3 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Economic Action Plan which would enable them to strengthen economic opportunities in Medicine Hat. On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Friends of Medalta will be unveiling their new gift shop, changing exhibit gallery, major reception gallery and collector’s gallery at the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site, which is a centerpiece of the Historic Clay District.
“Today’s grand opening of Medalta’s new facilities marks an important milestone for a cultural landmark that plays a vital role in attracting visitors to our community while preserving our past,” said LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Our Government is proud to have contributed to an initiative that is creating economic benefits and jobs in our community.”
In addition to the Federal Government’s support of the enhancements at Medalta, the Government of Alberta contributed over $1 million, primarily from the Major Community Facilities Program, while the City of Medicine Hat contributed $365,000.
The construction work created significant jobs for local workers over the past two years, positively impacting the local economy during tough economic times. With the enhancements completed, Medalta is expected to be a major regional destination, drawing additional visitors to the area, further impacting the local economy.
“Thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund and Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we have been able to hire a significant amount of local workers,” explained Historic Clay District Executive Director Barry Finkelman. “With these new facilities now open to the public, this region will see additional and sustained economic benefit from being a strong tourism draw.”
To celebrate Medalta’s enhancements, a grand opening celebration is being held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011. At that time, it will be dedicated the “Yuill Family Gallery” and will feature greetings from Federal, Provincial and Municipal representatives. Everyone is welcome to attend this event.
For more info:
Quentin Randall
Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator
Medalta, in the Historic Clay District
p. 403.529.1070 e. [email protected]
by Carole Epp | Nov 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
A gas kiln in a trailer that can achieve wood fired results in 6 hours?
Yuppers.
Steve Davis details all about his Kazegama kiln on his website. Definitely worth a look.
Plus make sure to check out the soda kiln.
by Carole Epp | Nov 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
The Michaëlle Jean Foundation and EQ3 have partnered to provide a national platform for young Canadians to express themselves on social issues, to share their creative vision of a better community with all Canadians, and to acquire mentors, industry contacts and transferable artistic and entrepreneurial skills. WHAT IT INVOLVES A nationwide contest: Creative young people, aged 15 to 30, are invited to design and submit original artwork by January 10, 2012 around the theme Imagine…. a Better Community to [email protected]. Winning entries will be selected by region and become part of a limited edition Generation Art product line available for sale at EQ3 stores across Canada in the spring of 2012. One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised will be reinvested in youth initiatives, through the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. Winners will be awarded the Generation Art product featuring their winning design, a $200 EQ3 gift certificate and have the opportunity to spend individual time with EQ3 consultants! Exhibits and Blogs: To raise awareness about issues of concern to all young Canadians, Generation Art will provide a variety of platforms where participants’ creativity will be displayed. A virtual exhibit will be unveiled on FMJF’s website, www.fmjf.ca, showcasing the creative vision of a better Canada of all participants. Video commentary and blogs, featuring young Canadians take on social issues and solutions, will also be available. The exhibit, blogs and video messages will provide a rich tapestry of artwork and perspectives that showcase the unique contribution young people can make to a better Canada. Workshops and Mentorship: EQ3 will welcome young Canadians to a series of three workshops focussed on working as a team to create art reflecting the project’s theme, creativity in the world of industrial design, and selling and marketing artwork. Those unable to attend the workshops in person will be able to participate virtually through online videos. During all stages of the workshops, seasoned industrial design professionals will be on hand to provide mentorship support for participants. HOW TO GET INVOLVED For more information about the project, please visit: www.fmjf.ca/en/generation_art.php
by Carole Epp | Nov 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
via Designboom
“a collection of works by paris-based artist myriam mechita is currently on display in the paris and sèvres gallery spaces of galerie de la cité de la céramique. ‘l’infini en plus’, a selection of painting and sculpture by mechita is found in their sales gallery location in paris, on exhibition through november 20th, 2011. in sèvres, the compilation ‘my name is nobody (tu vas comprendre)’ contains porcelain sculptural works on display until january 2nd, 2012.
the surrealistic quality of mechita’s style is infused into each piece; her vision is expressed through the incorporation of stoneware, porcelain and a varied color palette through out the collection. she highlights the normalcy in mortality and the passage of time by flooding each sculptural space with interactions between light and deathly motifs. all sculpted figures are decorated with vibrant colors, beads and glitter long after their demise. the bright additions to each figure stream from eye sockets of a sculpted skull or the neck of a decapitated animal, promoting a unique visual experience based in the proximity and juxtaposition of the two themes.”
‘I drew inspiration from the apache and cheyenne red indian territories for the sculptures that I produced for sèvres. vast rocky expanses where sparse vegetation breaks up the crushing landscape. in these infinite spaces, an isolated branch turns into a shimmering boat, tufts of vegetation are tossed about in the wind, flocks of birds are poised to take flight in an instant…this installation is my landscape, where branches are adorned, trunks are reborn,
there is an outpouring, that vital, sweet, fluid, crystallised energy earning its own ornamentation. like the immutable expression of the perpetual and fascinating motion of life and death.’ -myriam mechita
In addition to the Federal Government’s support of the enhancements at Medalta, the Government of Alberta contributed over $1 million, primarily from the Major Community Facilities Program, while the City of Medicine Hat contributed $365,000.
