One of the aims of the Friends of Medalta Society is to provide educational programming at all levels, relative to the production of clay products. In June 1998, the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program was initiated to attract ceramic artists both established and emerging, from all over the world.

Invited guest artists work side by side with participants in an environment that supports all aspects of the creative process. This is an opportunity to share studio space, experience, thoughts and ideas while working essentially independently. It may be a time to review past work, establish new directions, enhance a portfolio or reinvest energy through uninterrupted time. Each ceramic artist who attends takes away from the experience a better understanding of the legacy of clay that the Medalta Potteries and Hycroft China have given us.

Since its inception, the residency has been held in a dedicated area in the Hycroft China site, but a building at the Medalta Potteries site has been designated as the future permanent year round home of the residency program. In the interim our program will be moved to the "glass house" section of the Hycroft China site which provides a fully functioning, well lit, spacious historic environment for creative studio work.

The Medalta International Artists in Residence Program

• A dramatic historical setting capitalizing on Medicine Hat’s ceramic heritage which is attracting global interest.

• The opportunity to work beside ceramic artists with a wide range of artistic approaches.

• A well-equipped Studio, with 24 hour access. Each artist has 250 sq feet of Studio space, a wheel, working table and storage.

• Firing facilities include a 2- chamber wood fired Bourry kiln, electric, gas, and raku kilns. All glaze materials are provided.

• Clay and Supplies are readily available at Plainsman Clay, located adjacent to site.

• Slab roller, clay mixer, jiggering and slip casting equipment available.

• Day trips to the Cypress Hills, Clay Pits, and Fort Walsh can be arranged.

• Formal and informal tours of both the Hycroft China and Medalta Potteries sites designed around artists schedules.

• Interaction with the vibrant local ceramic community during both social and demonstrative events.

• Slide presentations presented by the invited Artists, open to the public.

• Participant slide presentations, organized on an “in-house” basis.