September 12 sees return of Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre fundraiser

Annual fall gala fundraiser, Surface and Sow, will feature an afternoon of art, food, music, and community. The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) is inviting artists, supporters, and art collectors to its garden gala party-- SURFACE AND SOW-- an annual fall fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12. Located on the border of west Calgary and Springbank is a publicly accessible non-profit arts centre that focuses on lectures, workshops, and exhibitions of local and international contemporary art-- with an emphasis on an outdoor sculpture park. Shelby Charlesworth, KOAC's Community Partnership's Coordinator, said the past year has been busy for the centre, featuring the continuation of their artists in residence program, workshops, a Neighborhood Appreciation Day, and a program to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. As KOAC's largest event, gala guests will have the opportunity to experience a special exhibition-- SURFACE AND SOW-- curated by Charlesworth and Ash Slemming-- featuring works selected from the studio archives and art collection of KOAC co-founders Katie Ohe and Harry Kiyooka. "Surface and Sow will celebrate Harry and Katie," Charlesworth explained. "Their different influences, their own instructors in the past, as well as their works. So, thinking about the people they've influenced, the people who have influenced them, and how that can lead forward into the future and influence future generations of artists and educators." The afternoon will feature live DJ music, hors-d'oeuvres, a documentary screening, and a cash bar, along with a live art activation by upcoming KOAC artist-in-residence, Michelle Atkinson. "She designed a piece of artwork for us based off of weather patterns within Alberta and used the KOAC colours," Charlesworth explained. "People can pick the design that they like the most, have it pressed onto a pencil case, and then they get to choose different items that go inside of their pencil case for their drawing kit to take home." It also features an exclusive preview of KOAC's Fine Art Fundraising Auction, presented with event partner LEVIS Fine Art Auctions and Appraisals, which will feature roughly 55 pieces up for sale until Sept. 26. As KOAC's largest annual fundraiser, this event supports year-round artist residencies, public programming, and the stewardship of the 20-acre sculpture park and ecologically significant grounds. Charlesworth said any donations made or artwork purchased will be matched up to $100,000. "We hope people take some time to rest, spend some time in nature, and understand the value of contemporary arts in our overall landscape within the province," Charlesworth said. The gala will take place between 2 and 6 p.m., with tickets available at www.eventbrite.ca .