Sheer magnetism kicks off Galt’s 2023 program schedule

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 5, 2023.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke Youngster Valentina Garcia, at right, puts the finishing touches on her memory magnet as friend Greer Oczkowski, mom Jackie, and little sister Luciana watch Wednesday during a program at the Galt Museum.

The start of a new year is a time for reflection and remembering, holding dear memories close to our hearts as we enter into another adventurous year ahead.

Looking to encapsulate those memories, the Galt Museum and Archives hosted its first Creative Community event of the new year on Wednesday with a focus on memories and how our brains recall, specifically the sounds that trigger our echoic memory.

Tying in to the Galt’s current exhibit, the Politics of Sound (on display until May 7), the Magnets and Memories of Sound workshop had guests making magnets from images they selected that tie in to their auditory senses, triggering memories of the past. Using sensory memory, the activity looked to understand how auditory stimulus can be heard and trigger stored memories that recall events of the past with familiar sounds.

“Creative Community is a bi-monthly program that offers a bit of history paired with a creative activity. Today we are doing magnets and memories,” said Kristin Krein, community programmer for the Galt. “All of our programming likes to compliment and bring awareness to our temporary exhibition, currently the Politics of Sound. Today I wanted to have an opportunity to bring something to a memory of a sound by looking at a picture. We are going to visualize what we want to see. I want it to be something that when you look at, the memory of a sound reminds you of something uplifting, starting the new year off nicely.”

The bi-monthly program at the Galt offers activities with a connection to local history and culture for all ages to enjoy.

“It pairs really well with the exhibit. As you are going through and experiencing the Politics of Sound, you understand the new dimensions, the different intersections of how sound can exist within race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. It is a fun activity that is paired with what we have going on,” said Krein. “I want to explore and enjoy things that bring awareness. We try to do our best to bring all of our pieces together as everyone does in this role.”

Those in attendance created wonderful memories while exploring memories of their own past.

“I look forward to listening to people explain why they chose each image. I’m excited to see what takes more time, choosing the image or making the craft,” said Krein. “2023 there will be a lot of activities that you will see in our regular programming. Whether that be Creative Community, Hands on History, the Galt Presents. But also, if there is something that you want to see, or you are not being reflected in our programming, I want to know. 2023 is a year of trying something new.”