Hatters’ works lining the Medalta walls
Though it is known as Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District, Medalta’s Yuill Family Gallery is currently showcasing two new exhibits, one based around photos and the other displaying paintings.
The Hands at Work display is a collection of 39 black-and-white photographs by photographer James Farrell, which follows the experience of 17 creators in Medicine Hat.
Running alongside Farrell’s collection is Caution, an exhibition by painter Tina Riche.
Caution is a collection of 36 acrylic paintings that illustrate Canada’s landscapes, from the East Coast all the way to the Prairies.
“Hands at Work is a great collection of photographs of some local makers that James Farrell collected over four years,” said Medalta’s marketing and communications co-ordinator Jessica Knodel. “Our website actually has biographies of the makers he photographed, so it adds another element to the display. Not only did he take pictures of them during their works, but it shows that he was really immersed in his work and that he’s learning about the subjects.”
The photographs show a wide-range of local artists ranging from ceramic artists, hair stylists, welders and radiologists.
“There’s a lot of different people photographed and it really shows a few different disciplines,” said Knodel. “I think it’s a really great collection showcasing some of the different makers in the city.”
Farrell’s exhibit also has small, square tables set up around the pictures, showing some of the instruments the makers would use while working.
“The little stations add to the showcase a bit, just showing what people use to make their works happen,” she said. “I think it’s cool for people to see the tools of peoples’ trades and to see what people use to make their work happen.”
As for the Caution exhibit, it showcases the work of a woman who has made Medicine Hat her home.
“Tina Riche is originally from Newfoundland and she eventually moved to Medicine Hat permanently,” she said. “She focuses on the large scale of land, sea and air, and she includes part of human interaction with that. You’ll see something like caution tape or men working on powerlines.”
The official opening for both is being held March 8 from 6-8 p.m. and they are on display at Medalta until April 12.
For more information on the exhibits go to www.medalta.org