Dear KOAC Friends and Family,
On Sept 15, 2021, the Government of Alberta declared a public health emergency. It announced new measures to protect the health care system, limit the spread of COVID-19 and increase vaccination rates in Alberta.
The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park reviewed these new health measures, and we are asking all our visitors to:
– Observe mandatory masking for all visitors and all staff when indoors or in close proximity.
– Observe a 2-metre distance during outdoor tours and workshops.
– Enter the property only if you are double vaccinated.
– Utilize hand sanitizer as much as possible.
Please note, indoor workshops, gatherings and visits to the gallery residence and studios are suspended temporarily. The best way to access the Park during this challenging time is to register for the outdoor sculpture park tours and the Create with KOAC workshops.
Our priority is ensuring the safety of our founders, artists, volunteers and staff.
We recognize that sculpture parks provide the safest way to enjoy art during a pandemic and the value our community places on having their families participating in art-related extracurricular activities for their well-being.
While KOAC, with its 20 acres of woodland and open pastures, provides such an opportunity, we are living in an evolving situation. We will continue reviewing and adjusting our practices based on new information to determine if any measures need strengthening to further protect our community.
Any adjustments will consider further direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Rocky View County.
We all play a role in ensuring our communities are as safe as possible and minimizing the spread of COVID-19. KOAC has and will continue to encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated.
Best wishes to all,
Ricardo Castillo Argüello
KOAC Executive Director
Recent News & Events
Discovering Their Name — The Keepers
June 3rd, 2021 Residency — The Keepers Discovering Their Name Patricia Lortie In the end, when I saw them standing together in the studio, when I could walk amongst them and feel their strong yet gentle presence, the sculptures finally whispered their names to me. I...
JAMES ZIEGLER – In Conversation
Against the backdrop of his new creation, Shimmering Willow at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park in Springbank, Alberta, artist James Ziegler speaks about his trajectory with Ricardo Castillo Argüello, KOAC’s Executive Director.
Starting with his earliest interest in art, geometry and mathematics and continuing up to his most recent tiny and large scale work, they discuss Ziegler’s influences, his practice in many different trades and as multifaceted innovator, artist, builder, and the idea of examining the world intuitively through three-dimensional forms as part of the human condition.
A COMET’S RETURN – Residency
For several years, Kathryn (Fodchuk) Dobbin had no idea where the sculpture she built in the 1980s was. Until the City called. She spent a full month in KOAC’s sculpture studio refurbishing one of the best kinetic public art pieces Calgary has.
BUILDING WESTERN CANADA'S LARGEST SCULPTURE PARK
We collect and preserve our heritage of modern contemporary sculpture art – from monumental-scale to site-specific earthworks.
At KOAC, Nature is our museum. Visit our outdoor cultural exhibit.
Featured sculpture: Steel Wave, by Roy Leadbeater
Calgary’s Best Kept Secret
and its 20 acres in size…
Located in Springbank, Alberta, the KOAC is poised to become one of Canada’s leading cultural art centres and sculpture parks. Dedicated to the preservation of the surrounding environment, KOAC aims to be a fully self-sufficient contemporary arts facility that focuses on the enrichment of Calgary’s cultural identity and Springbank’s community pride.
Sculpture Park
KOAC’s Sculpture Park is home to over 100 pieces, including a large collection of monumental-scale contemporary works by local and international artists. Stay tuned for the Park’s virtual tour, coming soon.
Press & Blog
Sign up for KOAC’s news to stay current on programs, exhibitions, events, and more. Click through!
Youth Collage Program
Have fun using your imagination by playing with shape and colour in this collage workshop.
Venue + Booking
Take advantage of our Pavilion and Sculpture Park. Now booking for weddings, grad parties, and more.
Donation Opportunities
Get behind KOAC? Be a groundbreaker. Various levels of contribution allow you to get involved creatively!
Emerging Artist Program
Are you a recent grad and looking for a place to develop your practice?
More than just a NOT-FOR-PROFIT
We provide a space for critical thinking and the exchange of knowledge.
We bring communities together with contemporary art as a common language.
From our Patrons
Thanks to everyone who has supported and keeps supporting KOAC.
We wouldn’t be here without you.
“The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Center has heart and soul and it comes from the two iconic founders. Katie Ohe and Harry Kiyooka are Calgary Arts royalty who have taught, mentored, curated, wrote, painted and sculpted Calgary’s contemporary art scene. Meeting them is an honour and a memory to be treasured.”
“My wish is for KOAC to accomplish everything they set out to do for the future of Calgary & culture. Katie and Harry have all the knowledge necessary to provide a home for excellent examples of art.”
Uniting Our Community
Have questions or want to connect? Send us an email via the form below.