Bringing art to the heart of recreation in Medicine Hat

For the first time in Big Marble Go Centre’s history, Medicine Hat’s premier recreation facility is hosting a professional art exhibition. This offering has been made possible through collaboration with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts’ Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program.

Big Marble Go Centre will serve as the venue for Pal·imp·sest from October 9 to November 4, 2025. This travelling exhibition features David Harrison, a Calgary-based artist who uses chips of fallen urban graffiti to craft abstract, rhythmic artworks. The exhibition has been installed in the main hallway near the entrance to the fieldhouse. View the exhibition catalogue to learn more about Pal·imp·sest.

The collaborate initiative arose when Parks and Recreation staff identified an opportunity to diversify what Big Marble Go Centre offers, and worked together with the City-administered TREX program to become a host venue for exhibitions.

TREX exhibitions are the latest in the City of Medicine Hat’s commitment to broaden the scope of City recreation facilities, ensuring they serve as community hubs where all are welcome. Big Marble Go Centre has also previously collaborated with the Medicine Hat Public Library to host a micro library since October 2024.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance the recreation visitor experience and promote the amazing people, landscapes and history of southern Alberta," said Michael Ractliffe, Superintendent of Recreation, City of Medicine Hat. "There are strong links between arts, recreation and well-being — adding TREX exhibitions is a great way to bridge arts and recreational environments and build on the fundamental community focus of our facility."

Big Marble Go Centre is currently the only recreation facility to host TREX exhibitions in southeast Alberta, which provides a unique opportunity to view art. Though all types of public facilities may serve as hosts, most of the 34 host venues in the TREX program are schools and libraries.

"TREX is always eager to welcome new host venues and enhance access to artwork in Albertan communities," said Sierra Zukowski, Program Manager/Curator, TREX Southeast. "It’s especially rewarding to bring art to people where they might not expect it — it adds more vibrancy and enriches people’s day-to-day lives. The more that art is integrated into the community, the better it is for everyone!"

Big Marble Go Centre will continue to serve as a host venue for TREX exhibitions periodically throughout 2026. Learn more about TREX Southeast, including how to become a host venue, on their website.

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media@medicinehat.ca