Medalta hosting “Fire Up” community day on Saturday

“To have that go on for so long and that we’re still here and we’re so active, I don’t know if they would have imagined all of the programs that we’re offering now.”

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(Image Credit: Medalta)

The event is also part of Medalta’s Legacy Series, marking four decades since a group of volunteers launched the ambitious effort.

“It’s a free, family-friendly event. It’s going to bring together hands-on experiences, live demonstrations, and all kinds of interactive programming,” Mandziak said.

“A really cool outdoor clay sculpture for the community to work on. It’s like a big open house to come and explore every area and every department at Medalta.”

The event will also feature a tour of the Shaw Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, an area not normally open to the public.

A cake-cutting ceremony and speeches are planned for noon, with representatives from Medalta and the City expected to attend.

Mandziak said the organization has grown far beyond what its founders may have envisioned.

“We have artists, we have children, we have adult pottery classes, we have events and weddings, we still make Medalta wares in our production room using original equipment,” Mandziak said.

“I think it’s just really a testament to how much people care and how much people wanna give back because it’s not just the people working or volunteering at Medalta,” she added.

“It’s the people who are coming to our events or signing up for our classes who are volunteering to be there, who are giving their money. They’re donating to us as a nonprofit organization. So it takes a village, as they say.”

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(Image Credit: Medalta)

Mandziak said the event is designed as an open house to welcome both longtime supporters and newcomers.

“We wanted to make it as accessible as possible,” Mandziak said.

“It really is just an opportunity to come and explore every area and every department at Medalta.”

While the museum has been open since February, operations will expand later this spring, with weekend hours increasing after the May long weekend and daily summer hours beginning on July 1.

The celebration will also include the launch of a new locally made beer in partnership with Medicine Hat Brewing Company, part of a broader push to strengthen community ties.

by Jesse Gill

Medalta hosting “Fire Up” community day on Saturday

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