04/11/2022
Harry Kiyooka, RCA (1928 – 2022)
B.Ed., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
Founder, Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre
It is with great sadness that the KOAC Board of Directors shares the news of our Founder and friend, Harry Kiyooka passing away peacefully on Friday, April 8, 2022. Harry was a passionate advocate of and inspiration for the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre. Founded in 2007 with his wife, sculptor Katie Ohe, the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC), a year-round, art-in-nature destination, is dedicated to research, exhibition, education, and documentation of contemporary visual arts.
Harry was successful in securing a new Arts and Culture designation for the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre with Rocky View County, bringing the importance of arts to the conversation of land use.
Harry’s influence in the art community spanned across Canada. He was a founding member of the Calgary Contemporary Arts Society (1982), a Life member of the Alberta Society of Artists and a member of the Royal Canadian Academy.
In 1988, Harry was awarded a 125th Anniversary Medal of Confederation for his contribution to the community in establishing the Triangle Gallery of Visual Arts (now Contemporary Calgary), and in 1966, Harry was the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Alberta College of Art and Design for contributions to the visual arts.
Harry has influenced the success of the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre, and his legacy will live on in the art community and with all those who enjoy the beauty of KOAC.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to KOAC. Please see the link in the bio above(linktr.ee/koac), or by mail to 244034 Horizon View Road, Calgary, AB T3Z 3M5.
Rest in Peace, Harry Kiyooka.
Photography by Jeremy Fokkens for Avenue Magazine.
