They gather at the Cultural Centre to create, learn, and socialize with a group that has similar interests with one another. 

The group hosts workshops, where professional artists show how to use a variety of materials, from acrylics, to oils, watercolour, and alcohol inks, as well as “skill share” gatherings. Members of the group show their specialty in art to those looking to learn a new expressive skill. 

The space offers art enthusiasts a casual drop-in studio for when members need a space to work on their art. The club hosts events for members to meet new people, grow friendships, and help people find a “third place” in Medicine Hat. 

“Third place” is a term from sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who defines a third place as somewhere that isn’t home or the workplace for people to connect.

All ages and levels are welcome, from people who have been doing art for years, to people who have never picked up a paint brush.

The perks of living in Medicine Hat, is there has always been a strong, rooted artist community in the city already. It dates back to when there was a clay district in the early 1900s. Artists still move to Medicine Hat to take the Artist in Residence program at Medalta in the Historic Clay District. 

Clay was derived from the coulees in the city, and the various landscapes within and around Medicine Hat still gives artists ample inspiration when painting their homeland. From coulees, to prairie farmlands, canola fields, and the rolling hills in Cypress Hills, Hat Art Club members Angela, Loretta, and Theresa say the way the lights his Southern Alberta is always a breathtaking sight. 

“The different hues in the sky, I’m always stopping to take photos of a sunset. The way the light hits the prairies, it gives a different view every time you look out the window. Now that I’ve started taking art classes, I see the world a little differently,” says Angela.

“The art club is an underlying thread for Medicine Hat’s artist community. It’s a way to meet other artists and make friends,” says Theresa. “For people who want to learn about art media, it’s a really welcoming and safe space and we’re always open to welcoming new members.”

“If someone is new to the city, it’s a great way to meet people. This is more of a social space. A cozier setting to grow friendships through something everyone’s interested in,” says Loretta.

The Hat Art Club has around 60 members, and also hosts shows throughout the year, including an art show at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre every second year.