At KOAC’s annual SURFACE AND SOW fundraiser, a limited-edition pencil case became both a creative experience and a way to support future artists. Guests selected one of two original designs, watched it heat-pressed live and filled their case from an abundant art-supply bar—raising approximately $1,800 for KOAC’s artist residency program in three hours.
The Need
The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre wanted an engaging activation for SURFACE AND SOW, its annual garden party and fundraiser. The experience needed to feel at home within KOAC’s sculpture park, invite participation from guests of all ages and generate meaningful support for its artist residency program.
Rather than selling another piece of event merchandise, the goal was to give supporters a direct role in making something personal—and connect that moment of creativity to the artists KOAC will support in the future.
The Artistic Response
Alkali Arts developed The Art Bar, a live heat-press and art-supply activation built around limited-edition pencil cases.
Two original designs were created specifically for the event. Each was distinctly Alkali while remaining in conversation with Katie Ohe’s work and the surrounding sculpture park. Bold colour, simplified geometry and sweeping lines referenced the movement of the landscape without imitating the artwork already present within it.
Guests selected their preferred design and watched it heat-pressed onto a case. They then moved to a colourful display of drawing and journaling materials, choosing the supplies they wanted to place inside.
The abundance was deliberate. Art supplies presented in vintage glassware and bright vessels transformed the station into a temporary installation—part shop, part studio and part creative treasure hunt.
The Experience
Each case cost $25, with proceeds supporting KOAC’s artist residency program.
Participants approached the Art Bar expecting to select a few practical supplies. Instead, many became completely absorbed in building their cases—comparing colours, testing combinations and searching for just the right materials.
Even self-proclaimed non-artists got on board. Some filled cases for themselves, while others carefully assembled them as gifts for children, grandchildren, family members and friends.
The case became more than a souvenir. It was a useful object, a limited-edition artwork and an invitation to keep creating after the event ended.
The Impact
In three hours, the activation raised approximately $1,800 for KOAC’s artist residency program.
Just as importantly, it made fundraising active rather than transactional. Guests did not simply purchase an item or make a donation—they chose, assembled and personalized something of their own while directly supporting future artistic practice.
The result was an activation that brought together art, play, generosity and community in a form that felt entirely natural within KOAC.
Approximately $1,800 raised. Three original designs. Dozens of personalized art kits—and plenty of people surprised by how much fun they had making one.At KOAC’s annual SURFACE AND SOW fundraiser, a limited-edition pencil case became both a creative experience and a way to support future artists. Guests selected between two original designs, watched it heat-pressed live and filled their case from an abundant art-supply bar—raising approximately $1,800 for KOAC’s artist residency program in three hours.
