FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Fired Up!”: Medalta Celebrates 40 Years with Community Clay Festival
Part of the “Legacy Series” honouring four decades of clay, culture, and community

Medicine Hat, AB — Medalta in the Historic Clay District invites the community to get “Fired Up!” on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. This full-day, family-friendly event runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 713 Medalta Ave SE and is free for all ages.

“Fired Up!” is part of Medalta’s “Legacy Series,” marking 40 years of The Friends of Medalta Society (FOMS) and celebrating the organization’s role in preserving and advancing Medicine Hat’s rich clay heritage.

Visitors can explore a vibrant mix of interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes access across Medalta’s historic site, including:

• Education Showcase featuring interactive clay activities, a sensory station, and a mini pop-up museum experience
• Roaming Tours in the Museum, offering flexible, drop-in interpretive experiences throughout the site
• Live Demonstrations showcasing clay production techniques in action
• Community Clay Project, a large-scale outdoor sculpture led by the Medalta International Artists in Residence (MIAIR) program
• Tours of the Shaw Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, highlighting contemporary ceramic art
• Selfie Station with a creative kiln-side photo installation
• Giant Yard Games, sponsored by Grand Rental Station

A cash/card bar will also be available on site.

“As both the Events Coordinator and a historian, I feel a great responsibility to honour the stories held within these walls. Events like this aren’t just gatherings; they’re a way of connecting people to the past, to each other, and to the creative spirit that continues to define Medalta today. Please join us as we celebrate 40 years of preservation and revitalization!"
- Sarah Schatz, Events Coordinator @ Medalta

“Fired Up!” reflects Medalta’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, education, and artistic innovation, bringing together the past, present, and future through clay.

No registration is required. Visitors are encouraged to drop in and explore throughout the day.

For updates and event details, follow Medalta on Facebook and Instagram, or contact: 403.529.1070 reception@medalta.org 

Media Contact:
April Mandziak
Marketing & Communications
Medalta in the Historic Clay District
Email: marketing@medalta.org
Phone: 403.529.1070 ext. 112

About Medalta
Medalta in the Historic Clay District is a nationally recognized industrial museum, contemporary ceramic arts facility, and community hub located in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Operated by The Friends of Medalta Society (FOMS), Medalta preserves the region’s rich clay manufacturing history while fostering contemporary ceramic practice through exhibitions, education, and its internationally respected artist residency program.