The Art Gallery of St. Albert is gearing up to present a unique and rare retrospective honoring the life and work of renowned potter Elke Blodgett. Blodgett, who passed away in 2018, was a respected artist, kiln builder, environmentalist, and community organizer who made a lasting impact on the City of St. Albert.
The exhibition, titled Fire in Her Hands, will be the first retrospective of Blodgett’s artistic career and will be on display from July 11 to August 10 at the Art Gallery of St. Albert. In preparation for the exhibition, the gallery is inviting members of the public to contribute their memories, stories, photos, and videos of Blodgett.
Emily Baker, the gallery curator, shared, “The idea started in 2017 with the previous director. We were enthusiastic because this was different from what the gallery normally does. But when COVID arrived in 2020, we decided to postpone it so we could be on the other side of the pandemic.”
While Blodgett was well-known for her artistic achievements and environmental advocacy, there is a lesser-known aspect of her life that the exhibition aims to shed light on. Blodgett contracted manganese toxicity from the glazes she used in her pottery, leading her to inform other potters about the dangers of the disorder.
Baker expressed the importance of sharing personal stories about Blodgett, stating, “The scope of her impact is beyond amazing. She was a complex woman, and this is a way to honor her.” Those interested in sharing their memories of Blodgett can contact Baker via email or share their stories online through the gallery’s website.
