Alberta's First Contemporary Art Centre to Kick Off Fundraising

Online, November 4, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Alberta's First Contemporary Art Centre to Kick Off Fundraising

KO Arts Centre prepares to kick off fundraising with the 'Bridging the Gap' Event

Calgary, AB - West of Calgary in the community of Springbank the current 20 acre residence and studios of renowned artists Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe are being donated and will be transformed into Alberta's first contemporary art centre - the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC). The centre will be a charitable society donated to the promotion of contemporary art and will be a permanent legacy and cultural destination for Springbank, Rocky View County, City of Calgary and Province of Alberta.

The 'Art in Nature' vision for the centre will create an opportunity for creative thinking through engagement with art in a natural setting including, a botanic sculpture garden, wetlands/woods sanctuary and pavilion. The pavilion will showcase the extensive personal art collection of Kiyooka and Ohe. The objective of the KO Art Centre is to promote contemporary art through artist's residencies, exhibitions, workshops, symposia and lectures in a tranquil environment. Members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in art programs and access the art centre facilities.

"Establishing the Arts Centre and donating our land and art collection are a way of showing gratitude," says Harry Kiyooka. "Katie and I wanted to show our support for living art and artists by creating a legacy destination for the present and future." In addition to a significant endowment fund provided by Kiyooka and Ohe, two million dollars will be required to see the KO Art Centre project to completion. An extensive three step development plan that will span approximately three years will include planning, development, construction and upgrades to the existing utilities, infrastructure, land and buildings as well as the new pavilion structure.

Donations can be made through www.CanadaHelps.org and donors will receive a tax credit and receipt. Depending on the contribution, supporters will receive various benefits as a result of their generosity. Kiyooka and Ohe are also hoping that the upcoming 'Bridging the Gap' Fundraising Event will present an opportunity for interested contributors to find out more about the KO Art Centre and ways they can help bring the KOAC vision to life.

The 'Bridging the Gap,' Fundraising Event will take place on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at the Inglewood Fine Arts Centre (located at 1223B - 9th Avenue SE, Calgary) from 7-10pm. Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe will be showcasing their artwork in addition to several members of the KOAC Board (including: Brian Stone, Wayne Whillier, Ian Cook & Dave Hill). The evening will include cocktails, entertainment and door prizes, and an opportunity to find out more about the KOAC.

You can find out more by visiting http://koartscentre.org/or joining them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KOArtsCentre.

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Press Kits are also available at http://koartscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/KOAC-Brochure-Media-Kit-Final.pdf . A formal media advisory for the event will be issued prior to Nov. 10th.

Katie Ohe is a well-known Canadian sculpture and one of the first artists to make abstract sculpture in Alberta. An Alberta College of Art Graduate and instructor, Ohe's work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally as well as numerous commissioned installations. She is the recipient of the ACAD Alumni Award of Excellence and a recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary.

Harry Kiyooka is an accomplished painter and printmaker. A Professor Emeritus of Art at the University of Calgary, Harry has been instrumental in supporting contemporary art and artists in Calgary. He is a founding member of the Calgary Contemporary Art Society, life member of the Alberta Society of Artists through the establishment of the Triangle Gallery, for which he was awarded the 125th Anniversary Medal of Confederation.

Media Inquiries:
Tiffany Ardolino
P: 403.200.5100
E: [email protected]