Medalta Announces New Executive Director

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Aaron Nelson

“Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” That’s the mindset of Medalta’s staff as Aaron Nelson is named Executive Director.

Linda Rossler, Chair of the Friends of Medalta Society says, “The board of the Friends of Medalta Society is very pleased that Aaron Nelson has accepted the position as Executive Director. His passion for Medalta is infectious, and in his eight and a half years with the Society he has led many initiatives that engaged our community in a myriad of ways. His belief in the growth of the cultural economy has connected Medalta to institutions and individuals regionally, nationally and internationally. His deep knowledge of the Clay Industries coupled with his technical abilities will ensure that Medalta as a National Historic Site will thrive as it embarks on this new chapter. The board enthusiastically supports Aaron as he directs the dedicated Medalta team towards an engaging and sustainable future.”

Nelson comes into this position with a robust knowledge of the inner workings of this ‘dusty old pottery factory at the edge of town’, and the predetermination to continue Medalta’s good work. Aaron Nelson began at Medalta by hosting a kiln building workshop in 2009 and has since been employed first as Artistic Director, then Associate Director, and finally as the Executive Director. “My background as a potter has instilled in me the value of hard work, the importance of craftsmanship, and the need to constantly literate to make things better,” remarks Nelson. “My years of administrative experience in the not-for-profit sector in both Canada and the US has taught me the value of collaborative thinking, the importance of transparency, and the joy of building community. I am so excited to be able to assist in articulating the vision of the Friends of Medalta Society ‘a world class destination with a heart of clay’.”

Topping his list for 2018 is ensuring that Medalta can operate sustainably well into the future. By building upon Medalta’s pillars of Heritage, Creativity, Community and Learning, Nelson will work to guarantee that the organization constructs a strong financial plan that ensures not only operational success now, but well into the future. In terms of capital projects, the completion of the Artist Lodge, a safe and affordable housing option for Artists in Residence located at the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile site will be a priority. The Artist Lodge project will become a vital part of Medalta’s effort to offer the extended creative community a chance to create in a heritage context in a way that is meaningful, economic, and accessible.

“I am so pleased to be selected to lead Medalta into its next chapter. So many folks have contributed so much to make Medalta a special place for not only the local community, but also the province of Alberta and an international community of artists. It is because of these folks that Medalta is able to deliver creative learning experiences in a stunning heritage context. The board, staff, volunteers, and supporters are a committed group and I feel privileged to be able to spend my professional life working with these fine folks.”

Source: Medalta in the Historic Clay District