Medicine Hat Potters’ Association’s Clay It Forward silent auction will benefit The Honeycomb House

Written by Chris Brown, Head of Marketing and Community Engagement

Handmade pots out for viewing and bidding at 17 community businesses until March 29

Medicine Hat boasts an impressive amount of artistic talent and a generous spirit.

Members of the Medicine Hat Potters’ Association have both and this month are utilizing their talents to help teens in the community and The Honeycomb House at Medicine Hat Public Library.

The group has partnered with 17 local businesses for the Clay It Forward silent auction, featuring a wide variety of handmade collaborative pots, each made by one member of the association and decorated by another. From now until March 29 the pieces are on display at the local businesses along with a sheet for bidding.

“We have a wide variety of items including vases, bowls, a plant pot, a jug, a platter and some items that could be used for a variety of purposes,” explains Corley Farough of the association’s special events committee. “Some of the pots are glazed, some are hand carved, and all created with careful thought and detail.”

Farough says when members were deciding where the funds would be donated, they looked for a place that was playing a positive role in mental and among the younger population. 

After learning about what The Honeycomb House specifically and library overall has to offer to local youth, it was a natural fit, Farough says.

“While the Honeycomb House isn't necessarily a space designated for mental health, we recognized the extremely positive influence that a space like this has the opportunity to provide for youth in our community, and felt that it was such a great addition to our very loved public library that we wanted to help ensure the success and amenities available within.”

Youth and community librarian Stephanie Kuhn says she was flabbergasted to learn The Honeycomb House was the chosen recipient for Clay It Forward.

"The Honeycomb House has only been open for six months, so to have community members rallying behind us goes to show how important this teen space is for the community, she says. “We've increased our teen programming at the library by 300% thanks to The Honeycomb House, so the funds from the Clay It Forward initiative will be put to good use to continue providing quality programming to Medicine Hat teens."

You can find a map of all the locations and the pieces up for auction on the Medicine Hat Potters’ Association Facebook page.  

To learn more about the Medicine Hat Public Library visit www.mhpl.shortgrass.ca.