Kathie Bird, a long-time member of the Kyla Artist Group and a respected presence in Prince Albert’s arts community, is being remembered by fellow artists as an adventurous creator, a calm leader, and a generous mentor whose influence extended well beyond her own work.
Bird, who passed away on Jan. 20, was involved with Kyla early in the group’s history, joining shortly after the collective was formed more than four decades ago. While Bird stepped away for a period, she rejoined prior to 2005 and remained involved for much of the group’s life, including serving in an executive role as co-chair in recent years.
“She didn’t like the term president,” said Annette Henbid, treasurer of the Kyla Artist Group. “She preferred co-chair.”
Henbid said Bird’s involvement spanned a significant portion of Kyla’s history, even if exact dates are difficult to pin down.
“During the history of the group, she was involved for a good portion of it,” she said.
Fellow Kyla artist Kim Morral described Bird as a well-established and widely respected figure in Prince Albert’s arts scene, known not only for her work but also for her presence within the community.
“If you mentioned Kathie’s name to artists in particular, or anybody who attends art shows, she was very well known,” Morrall said. “She was very talented, very respected, and she sold work consistently. But more than that, she was a lovely person. Very calm, very thoughtful, very caring.”
While both artists spoke with sadness about Bird’s passing, their memories were often shared with smiles and quiet laughter, reflecting the calm, reassuring presence she brought to those around her.
Bird primarily worked in acrylics and, in recent years, developed a distinctive technique that set her work apart locally. Morrall said Bird would liquefy acrylic paint, apply it in layers, and allow each stage to dry before continuing, creating textured surfaces that were both visually striking and technically unique.
“She came up with something I’ve never really seen anyone else do,” Morrall said. “Anyone who knows her art will know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Photo credit/Kathiebird.com
A painting by Kathie Bird showcases her distinctive acrylic technique, built through layered applications that create texture and depth.
Rather than focusing on a single subject or theme, Bird’s work ranged widely. Morrall recalled paintings of grapes, churches, abstract compositions, and many subjects in between.
“She painted everything,” she said. “She didn’t limit herself, and she wasn’t afraid to try something new.”
That willingness stood out to other artists. Henbid said Bird’s work often surprised her during group shows.
“Quite often her work surprised me because she had tried something new or done something in a different way,” Henbid said, laughing softly as she recalled seeing Bird’s pieces during group shows.
Beyond her own artwork, Bird played an important role in supporting other artists. Morrall said Bird personally invited her to join Kyla, an invitation that had a lasting impact.
“She’s the reason I’m in Kyla,” Morrall said. “To have an artist I admired ask me to be part of the group was very moving. She gave me a place to showcase my work.”
Bird was also seen as a steady presence within the group, someone artists could approach with questions or concerns.
“She was a senior Kyla member,” Morrall said. “She was calm, composed, and positive. She was someone you could go to for advice, not just about Kyla, but about life.”
No formal tribute has yet been announced, but Kyla members say it is still early. Morall said she expects Bird to be recognized during the group’s next major exhibition, typically held in the fall.
“I can say with almost 100 percent certainty there will be something,” she said. “There will be a tribute.”
For those who worked alongside her, Bird’s absence will be deeply felt.
“The art community lost one of our best artists,” Morrall said. “There will be a hole in our community, and she will be missed.”
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
