With much of Calgary’s art scene centred downtown, the Kiyooka Ohe Art Centre (KOAC) stands out as a suburban hub for contemporary art, extending its reach beyond the city’s centre.
Located on 20 acres of land in Springback and dotted with artworks, the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre offers free exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and public programs that bring contemporary art closer to the west side of the city.
“It’s not often that you can go out to a nature destination and experience art. It’s very different from experiencing art within a city landscape,” said Shelby Charlesworth, community partnership coordinator at the KOAC.
Calgary artists Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe started the centre as a place to appreciate and support art.
Kiyooka studied fine art in Canada, the U.S. and Italy, spending his career as a teacher, painter and art collector. Ohe began sculpting with everything from clay to cement and then to metal, learning from both art school and established artists across Canada.
Their land was purchased in ‘73, and they expressed their love of art by incorporating contemporary art into their home.
“This is an art centre that is built on the legacy of Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe as well, because they have been such influential arts educators within the community in Calgary, and we want to ensure that we keep their values and dreams alive as the centre continues to grow,” said Charlesworth.
The highlight of the centre is its stunning 10-acre outdoor sculpture park. Offering both guided tours as well as “at your own leisure visits,” this large exhibit encourages people to change their perspective on art galleries and explore the fields and stumble upon art pieces as they go.
The KOAC started an Artists in Residence program in 2020, featuring both sculptors and painters. About six to eight artists a year participate in these independent residencies, displaying their art and research for free to the public. Artists can decide how they would like to present their art, offering ways such as artist talks, studio visits, exhibitions, etc.
“It is such a privilege to be able to go and create art in nature and have that time and space to research,” said Charlesworth.
Ensuring there’s a space for anyone to come and engage with art is a strong foundation for the centre, as well as supporting artists struggling to find studio space or exposure.
“The same goes for a residency, too. It’s a lot different from having a studio within an urban city space,” said Charlesworth.
“Some communities don’t get as much exposure to contemporary art, which is why I’m glad we’re located in Springbank, because there are a lot fewer resources in the outskirts of Calgary for art. It’s really integral that all communities are able to be engaged and have exposure to art,” said Charlesworth.
The centre partnered with Friends of Chinatown for a Chinese New Year celebration dinner at the Regency Palace at the end of February, featuring Dragon dances, martial arts, and other forms of entertainment. The mission behind this celebration was to highlight the art and culture of Chinatown and ensure its preservation.
Extending the arts scene beyond downtown Calgary and into surrounding communities opens doors for people across the city.
“Learn a little bit more about our existence, and it can encourage people from the more central area of Calgary to come out to Springbank as well,” said Charlesworth.
