KOAC gets big boost from gala and art auction

In a stunning “pay it forward” move, Katie Ohe and Harry Kiyooka — two renowned Calgarybased artists, art educators and founders of KOAC/Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre + Sculpture Park — transferred their incredible acreage and assets to KO Arts Centre Society of Calgary.

The 20-acre parcel with its unique ecosystem and breathtaking view of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the house and studios, a rich art collection — which includes not only their works, but also artwork by other prominent Canadian and international artists — and their extensive library and archives, were gifted for the benefit of the communities of Springbank, the City of Calgary and neighbouring districts.

The goal is to create a worldclass, interactive, visual arts institution for the research, education, promotion and exhibition of the best in contemporary Canadian and international art. This dynamic couple also established and donated an endowment fund in support of KOAC’s future operations and creative exhibition/art educational programming.

Scores of art aficionados, collectors and community-minded souls gathered at Hotel Arts April 8 to support the KOAC Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction. Having the likes of Bret “Hitman” Hart as honorary gala chair and community leader Sandra LeBlanc as event committee chair ensured the event was an SRO success and raised an impressive $130,000.

Top selling works included: Ohe’s Monsoon; Kiyooka’s Medieval Red; Ron Moppett’s Eight Days a Week; Chris Cran’s Copper Woman; and Mark Dicey’s Untitled 2278.

Other artists included: Derek Besant and his wife Alexandra Haeseker; Martina MacDonald Bleriot; Dave Casey; Lawrence Christmas; Adrian Cooke; Linda Craddock; Helena Hadala; Seka Owen; Honsun Chu with his wife Vivian Chu; Peter Deacon; Jim Etzkorn; Dale Kirschenman; Brent Laycock with his wife Kathy Laycock; Walter May; Robert Pierce; Greg Pyra; Greg Robb with his wife Lynn Robb; Reinhard Skoracki with his wife Margit Skoracki; Judy Ueda and her husband Minoru Ueda; Verna Vogel; John Will with his wife Mary Shannon Will; Simon Wong; Bill Rodgers and his wife Mireille Perron; and Frances Thomas.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS Smiling “hosts with the most,” renowned artists Katie Ohe and Harry Kiyooka at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala held April 8 at Hotel Arts. The SRO event attracted more than 350 guests and raised $130,000 for the...

Cathy Askin, left, and Carmen Hunchak were among the guests taking in the wonderful art at the auction.

Sculptor John Andrekson, from left, Swerve editor Bruce Weir and BMO Nesbitt Burns’ Jim Andrekson enjoyed the gala.

Among the several hundred guests in attendance at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction were ACAD board member Susan Thomas, left, and Martens Group’s Sharon Martens.

University of Calgary professor emeritus Nick Roukes, from left, cookbook author Julie Roukes and gala committee member Jacek Malec. The SRO event raised $130,000 for the final design and construction of the KOAC.

Legendary artist John Will and Shyla Wolf, committee member and assistant director of the Herringer Kiss Gallery, were among the more than 350 guests in attendance at the KOAC fundraising gala and art event.

Contemporary Calgary director and CEO Pierre Arpin, left, and Trepanier Baer’s Yves Trepanier raise a glass of cheer.

Artist Martina MacDonald Bleriot and Bob Morrell, KOAC board member, are dressed to impress at the SRO event.

Committee member Michael Rae with artist Linda Craddock are all smiles for the camera in support of the KOAC fundraiser.

Honorary chairs of the gala event Sandra LeBlanc and Bret (Hitman) Hart should be proud indeed of the fundraising success.