From Clay to Cool: How Medalta Turned History into One of Alberta’s Hottest Arts Spots

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Nerissa McNaughton

Did you know that something as simple as a piece of pottery can unlock stories from centuries ago? In Medicine Hat, Medalta is a museum that celebrates pottery and its influence in Southern Alberta.

What is Medalta and Why Should You Visit?

Medalta is a historic clay district and National Historic Site in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Once a booming centre of pottery production in the early 20th century, Medalta has transformed into a museum and contemporary ceramics hub. It’s a place where history meets innovation, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Alberta’s pottery heritage and witness modern artistry in action.

But how did pottery become so intertwined with our history, especially in Alberta? Let’s dig deeper.

The History of Pottery and Its Influence in Southern Alberta

Pottery, one of the oldest human crafts, dates back over 10,000 years. Early civilizations like the Mesopotamians and Ancient Egyptians used clay to create vessels for food storage, water transport, and cooking. Over time, pottery evolved from functional objects to artistic masterpieces, often serving as a canvas for cultural stories and religious symbols.

Clay has long been central to Southern Alberta’s story, particularly in Medicine Hat, where nature provided the perfect conditions for a thriving pottery and clay industry. The South Saskatchewan River played a pivotal role, depositing rich alluvial silt along its banks for centuries. This process created abundant clay reserves, a natural advantage that set Medicine Hat apart. Early testing of these deposits in 1885 revealed their high quality, showing exceptional potential for brick production.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shawn Scheyk (@norstrom_s)

The local newspaper, Medicine Hat News, captured the excitement of the time, declaring there were “millions in it” for anyone bold enough to launch a clay-based business. By 1886, the first brick yard had sprung to life, planting the seeds of an industry that would shape the community for generations.

The early days of Medicine Hat’s clay industry were slow but steady. However, by 1907, the sector experienced a dramatic boom, with four new companies establishing operations in a single year. These investments added up to an impressive $250,000, a significant sum at the time. The rapid expansion reflected the area’s strategic advantages, which included not just its clay deposits but also an abundance of natural gas and water for fueling production. The Medicine Hat News once again highlighted the region’s potential, calling on local manufacturers to produce not just bricks but an entire suite of clay products like sewer pipes and tiles to supply Western Canada. This call to action propelled the industry into its golden era, turning Medicine Hat into a hub for clay manufacturing.

While many of the local factories were small, family-run businesses, two major players stood out for their scale and influence. Medicine Hat Brick & Tile began as a modest operation but grew to become a critical pillar of the community. On the other hand, Alberta Clay Products entered the industry as a full-scale industrial powerhouse, setting the stage for large-scale clay production. Together, these companies solidified Medicine Hat’s reputation as a leader in ceramics and clay products.

Their legacy, preserved at places like Medalta, serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the region, where pottery remains not just a nod to the past but a vibrant part of its cultural identity.

In 2010, Industrial Archaeologist Talva Jacobson conducted an archaeological study of the Kiln Room in the Historic Clay District. Prior to the excavation, it was believed that the foundations of at least three round kilns were hidden beneath a concrete floor installed in the 1960s. Talva and her team confirmed this theory during their work, uncovering the kiln foundations along with a wealth of other archaeological artifacts. These findings provide valuable insights into the industrial processes used during the early 20th century.

Fast forward to today, and pottery continues to play a vital role in our lives. Beyond its historical significance, it has modern applications that are both functional and artistic. Ceramic dishes, mugs, and cookware are staples in almost every household. Modern potters use clay as a medium for sculpture and creative design, pushing the boundaries of what pottery can be. Pottery techniques are still used to manufacture tiles, insulators, and even advanced ceramics for aerospace and medicine.

At Medalta, you can see these traditional and modern uses intertwined. The museum’s artist studios are alive with creativity, showcasing how pottery continues to evolve while staying rooted in its historical essence.

How to Experience Medalta

Here’s what awaits you at the museum:

• Interactive Exhibits: Walk through historic beehive kilns and learn how early potters transformed raw clay into everyday items.

• Artist Studios: Watch artisans at work, creating stunning pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary styles.

• Workshops: Want to get your hands dirty? Medalta offers pottery classes for all skill levels, so you can craft your own ceramic masterpiece.

• Special Events: From gallery openings to community markets, Medalta hosts a variety of events that celebrate art, culture, and community.

Check Medalta’s events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit. Click here to see prices and other important information.

Visit Medalta, Where Historic and Modern Pottery are on Display

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or someone looking for a unique travel experience, Medalta has something for everyone. Learn more about visiting, events, and other activities at Medalta today, and don’t miss the chance to explore the art, history, and heritage of pottery in Alberta.

---

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups  Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and  food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.