Our Artists
Ryan Smitham: Confluence
Sculptor explores regional watershed, plants and deep time
Smitham’s work often includes a juxtaposition, drawing the viewer in with beautiful, organic forms while deliberately pointing towards our complex relationship with land and nature. Ryan’s three-and-a-half-month residency took place in the winter/spring of 2024. While at KOAC he developed a variety of new sculptures based on the Bow River, Typha Latifolia (Cattails) and geologic deep time. The works were produced with plant-based resin, re-purposed paper bags, ceramics, wood, bronze, concrete and core samples from oil sand mines.
‘Katie is a sculptor I greatly admire. I was honoured to work at her studio and to listen while she shared stories about life and art making.’ – Ryan Smitham
Ryan Smitham was raised on Treaty 7 land in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, near Bragg Creek, Alberta. He expresses a love of natural forms while exploring themes such as environmental degradation and armed conflict. Smitham holds an MFA in Sculpture from the Pratt Institute (New York) and a BFA & B.Ed from the University of Lethbridge.
Your generosity is more important than ever
The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre is a place for art and artists, for the curious, for the novice and for the expert alike – everyone is welcome to visit, to make, to learn and to talk about contemporary art, whether by traversing our sculpture grounds and gardens, or visiting (when appropriate) with our artists in studio or via our digital forums and workshops.
Regular support from our friends enable us to sustain our work with artists, audiences and communities. Help us keep our grounds open as an escape into Art-in-Nature during this unprecedented time.
Become a member. You can make a difference today. All memberships and donations receive a CRA donation tax receipt.
The KO Arts Centre Society of Calgary is a registered charity. CRA Business Account # 83391 4955 RR001.
