Photo courtesy of Colton McKee - One of two kilns which require replacing at the Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics.

By Alex McCuaig

Medalta kilns

Medalta seeking funds to replace kilns

Aug 8, 2019 | 4:17 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — For a technology which is 25,000 years old, an advancement made in the 1500s can be considered relatively new.

While that might be the case with ceramics and salt kilns, the corrosive nature of the latter means it’s a piece of equipment that needs to be replaced on a regular basis.

Medalta is currently seeking to rebuild its salt and soda kilns after a decade of being one of the main draws for the Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics.

But they need a little help in covering the costs.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat girls choir to perform never before heard piece in spring concert

15h ago

EDUCATION

Medicine Hat Public School Division launches anonymous reporting pilot program

May 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat YMCA requests support camp for kids with trauma

May 14, 2024

“The beauty of these kilns is that they are very hands on,” said Rob Froese, Medalta studio technician. “There are many ways to adjust a firing atmosphere and a lot of it attracts people who are very interested in – not random effects but unexpected results and it’s a really attractive way to work I think.”

Some of the bricks from the kilns can be recycled as well as the frame. But there is still a cost of up to $15,000 that needs to be made up, said Frose.

“The best case is that we obtain the funds and the bricks to build the kilns by the end of August or early September and we build the kilns in September,” said Froese.

Froese added that these kilns aren’t common and are an important component in attracting artistic talent to Medalta.

Those interested in contributing to the project can visit the Medalta website and click on the “Make a Donation” tab.