Dozens of works by renowned artist return to province
A collection of 46 wood pieces by internationally renowned Saskatchewan artist Frank Sudol were returned to the province through a donation in October. The donation includes 14 pieces submitted to the SK Arts Permanent Collection.
Sudol was born and raised in Paddockwood, Sask.
He studied and later taught in Alberta before retiring back to Paddockwood with his wife in 1975.
They built a log home and ran a Christmas tree farm there until his death in 2006.
A woodcarver and woodturner, Sudol's intricate carvings and designs were recognized around the world and his works were featured in many North American publications.
The donation of Sudol's pieces was made by collectors Michael and Debbie Kowbel of B.C., who were friends of the late artist. The pieces were divided between SK Arts, the Mann Art Gallery in Prince Albert and the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.
“It has been such a pleasure to learn about Frank Sudol from Dr. Michael Kowbel and Mrs. Debbie Kowbel. Their incredible generosity and support have meant that this important artist's work will be represented in several collections across Saskatchewan,” SK Arts Permanent Collection registrar Julia Krueger said in a media release.
“We are committed to comprehensively collecting the art of Saskatchewan; and with the generous Kowbel donation, a more comprehensive snapshot of Sudol's innovative career will be preserved and made accessible to the public.”
Founded in 1948, with branches in Saskatoon and Regina, SK Arts is the oldest public arts funder in North America and second oldest in the world after the Arts Council of Great Britain.
The organization's permanent collection has been developing since 1950 and currently features about 3,000 works from 750 Saskatchewan artists.
Works in the collection are made accessible to the public through exhibitions, loans and public space rentals.
Learn more about SK Arts and the permanent collection at skarts.ca.