With a new venue and a new partner, the annual Kyla Art Show and Sale is gearing up for its 41st year.
The show used to serve as a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club, but when that organization decided to wind down earlier this year, the Art Group was looking for a new partner.
They approached the Prince Albert Optimist Club.
“It’s always a little bit worrisome when you lose Kiwanis. They were such a great group to work with,” said Kim Morrall of the Kyla Art Group.
“The Optimist Club stepped right up and I hope they continue because they’ve been fabulous and really easy to work with. They’re going to be a great group to partner up with.”
The Kyla Art Show and Sale is held annually in the fall and features work by the 21 members of the Kyla Art Group. All the work on display is original to the fall show.
This year’s event will also be at a new venue, Plaza 88, allowing the show to be in one, huge room. It will be catered by Randy Whitter, and celebrate Prince Albert, past and present, with a segment of the show featuring artwork specifically inspired by the city.
“We’re calling it Kyla at the plaza, Past Meets Present,” Morrall said.
“We’re going to set up the venue … like a mini Prince Albert. We have street signs and everything. Because we’re celebrating Prince Albert, every one of the artists has been asked to do one picture that represents Prince Albert to them.”
In previous years, the show has included a program to introduce the artists to those in attendance. This year the artists will be more visible than ever. In alignment with the theme, the male Kyla members will be donning top hats, while the women will be wearing fascinators to make them distinguishable. The artists will be happy to discuss their work, answer questions or provide help as needed.
The event will also feature an optional activity that will engage guests to participate more fully with the artwork. A unique prize will be awarded to the winner of the activity at the end of the evening.
“It’s coming together well. Everything has gone really smoothly,” Morrall said.
“Now it’s a matter of getting the paintings done and getting ready.”
While the artists are excited about the new-look show, they’re not the only ones. Vince Parker is the chair of the event from the Optimist’s side. He said, so far, everything is going smoothly.
“Our motto is friends of youth. Our mission is to bring out the best in youth, communities and ourselves. All of the funds we raise will be used in the city,” he said.
Parker said that the Optimist Club has contributed to sports teams, scholarships, schools and playgrounds. He attended Kyla years ago and remembers it as a quality art show and Prince Albert tradition.
“It’s an established group of artisans. It is all local people,” he said.
‘We have so much good local talent, whether they be artisans, singers dancers or actors in P.A. Wr have all kinds of it. We’re always looking at helping groups like that.”
From Kyla’s perspective, Morall said they’re happy to be giving back through their art.
“Anything that’s going to help kids is something we’ll be on board with. It’s always nice when you can support other groups through the arts,” she said.
“We’re very happy to help them, and they’re happy they’re able to help us while also benefitting their organization and the community. It’s mutually beneficial and working well so we’re really happy.”
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. They can be purchased from any Kyla member, at the On the Avenue Art Gallery or by calling 961-6329r 764-9569. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Plaza 88, however, ticket holders will be able to attend a preview from 1-4 p.m. that day.
“It’s all local artists,” Parker said.
“It’s great to support local artists. We’re encouraging people to buy a ticket and to participate. The more we make, the more we can give back to the kids.”
