Medalta to pull back the curtain with virtual At Home Series

The four-part series begins March 12 with a 5-Gallon Crock Demo led by Lisa Miklash.

The rest of the series includes a Clay Processing Tour on March 13, a jiggering and casting demo from Miklash on March 19 and Ask an Expert on March 20.

The last one is the one Day is most excited about.

“We get multiple, multiple emails a week of people asking about items that they’ve found,” she says. “So this is a great way to connect with our collections manager to be able to talk to her about it. We do answer all of those emails but this is just a great way for everyone to be involved.”

She says people need to register for Ask an Expert by March 12 in order to get an item in to be looked at by the expert, Susan McKinnon, to give her the time to do research on the object.

Full descriptions of the sessions are below.

Each of the sessions is Pay What You Will so that Medalta can raise some funds to offset the losses suffered from being closed for much of the past year.

“Usually we have exhibitions happening, we have tons of artists here. All of that has dropped off so we’re really relying on the gift shop at this time. Which has been doing quite well but it’s definitely going to be helpful to have a little bit more from this At Home Series,” says Day.

She adds the sessions are free but any payment will be helpful to Medalta.

As a museum, Medalta is included in Step 3 of the province’s reopening plan. On Monday, Health Minister Tyler Shandro moved the province fully into Step 2 and a move to Step 3 could happen in a few weeks.

Day says that Medalta is ready.

“We’re itching to open everything, start everything going again. We still get lots of people asking about having events here and starting to plan their events and their weddings, people are ready to start being here so we’re ready to have them as soon as we can,” she says. “We are already getting exhibitions ready to be in our Yuill Family Gallery. Our International Artists in Residence program, we have our year-long artists and they’re already planning that show. So we are going to have an exhibition here right away as soon as we’re open.”

March 12 from 2-3 p.m. 5-gallon Crock Demo with Lisa Miklash

The Weeks Machine was patented in 1909 and allowed Jiggermen to create large-sized crocks here at Medalta. Years ago, Medalta dusted off this bad boy and started research to learn how to use it once again. Today, their Jiggerwoman, Lisa, is a pro, and has taught many hands the art of crock making. Join them for a virtual demonstration of the historical technologies still used today, along with a question and answer period at the end.

March 13 from 1-2 p.m. Clay Processing Tour with Alice Osmond

Follow Alice through the oldest and most original corners of the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. Get an explanation of the machinery that kept Medalta in the clay, from blungers to slip tanks to pebble mills. This is a great virtual tour for those who have never been to the museum, or those who have had a tour through Medalta but still have questions about the machinery on display, along with a question and answer period at the end.

March 19 from 1-2 p.m. Jiggering and Casting Demo with Lisa Miklash

Lisa is back with another demonstration of ceramic processes! Jiggering was the most prestigious and well paying job in the factory back in the 1900’s. Jiggermen were paid per piece, so they would hire runners from their wage to be able to turn more product. Slip casting was used with liquid clay to create pieces that were a more irregular shape than those on the Jigger machine. Not to worry if you’re not sure what we’re talking about, Lisa will show you everything that you need to know in this demonstration! Followed by a question and answer period.

March 20 from 1-2 p.m. Ask an Expert with Susan McKinnon

Folks, here’s your chance! Do you have some burning questions about your antique ceramics made in Southern Alberta? Medalta’s Collection Manager is here to help you learn what your object is, when it was made and how it was used historically. Additionally, if you have questions about caring for your antiques, they can help you with that too.

For ‘Ask an Expert’, all registrants will receive a link to submit questions and photos of your objects via email in advance of the session. Please ensure all photos submitted include any stamps or markings.

Please Note: Medalta is only permitted to provide historical information about your objects and recommendations for care. In accordance with the International Council of Museums Code of Ethics guidelines they are unable to provide appraisal services (estimates of value).

For more information or to register visit medalta.org/athome.

by Chris Brown

Medalta to pull back the curtain with virtual At Home Series

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