What's Going On?

Medalta International Artists in Residence Program in Medicine Hat, Alberta is in dire need to upgrade the controller for our BLAAUW computerized gas kiln. To upgrade this controller from the currently obsolete OCU103 model, an upgrade to the CU14 controller is necessary. The current controller is on loan from BLAAUW until April, and upon its return the kiln will be non-operational unless its upgrade is confirmed. This controller upgrade requires the necessary components to be shipped from the Netherlands, and installed by the only BLAAUW technician in North America.

Why a BLAAUW Kiln?

The BLAAUW kiln is an invaluable research tool for the Ceramics community at Medalta. Its programming software allows for extreme customization of firing schedules, and its highly accurate firing times alleviate kiln booking complications and allows for greater volume of firings. This front-loading kiln is a safer option for loading, and reduces the potential for injuries associated with top loading kilns. The controller of this kiln holds a digital firing lineage, allowing for community connection between past and present users. The BLAAUW kiln is the only of its kind in Alberta, attracting rental income from near and far and many Artists apply to the residency program for research purposes pertaining to this kilns firing capabilities. The BLAAUW allows for endless potential for community collaboration, expands our firing capabilities for classes/renters/artists in residence, invigorates the studio atmosphere with its profound research potential, and its energy efficiency greatly reduces our environmental impact. The BLAAUW is an integral piece of equipment in keeping Medalta's studio environment a competitive and relevant research space.

About Us:

Operating out of the Shaw Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program is designed to serve artists in all career stages. Our open, semi-private studios, provide an experience of cooperation and creativity, meant to bring different experiences, techniques, and ideas to our unique studio space in the Historic Clay District. Our studios are full of vibrant energy with resident ceramic artists, community classes, workshops, and children’s classes all combining to make this a vital working museum, education centre, and studio complex.

Medalta has been at the heart of South Eastern Alberta for over 100 years. The facility has a rich history in the building of the West and still operates as a functioning pottery using original machinery and techniques but has also expanded to offer museum services, heritage restoration, education for many local school boards and tourists and a thriving artist-in-residency program.

The Friends of Medalta Society continues to strive to maintain the infrastructure, operations and spirit of the hard work and artistry that has existed on the site over the decades that it has been in operation.

Check out an amazing documentary about us on YouTube: Clay, Creativity and the Comeback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DPLRlxvjSU)