Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery is marking five years of building community through the arts with a special celebration on Saturday, June 14, and will be making a major announcement of future initiatives.
The public is invited to its grand opening and 5th anniversary drop-in event from 3 to 8 p.m., featuring live music, food and refreshments, an artist meet-and-greet, and a special unveiling of new exhibitions that highlight the talent and diversity of the local arts community.
It comes as the gallery welcomes a new board of directors and prepares to unveil plans to further support Cochrane’s growing creative economy.
"There are some really exciting things that can happen in the next few years, and that's going to be part of our announcement," said Jo-Anne Oucharek, who was recently elected president.
The announcement is expected to take place around 4:30 p.m.
What began in June 2020 as a grassroots effort by 12 artists in a strip mall location, 312 Fifth Ave #18, near Safeway, has grown into a vibrant collective of 94, now located at 208 1st St. W. in the heart of the Historic Downtown.
"We opened our doors just before COVID hit and never did have the opportunity to do a grand opening, so we decided to celebrate both together," explained CEO Lara Kruger.
Since then, the non-profit, volunteer-run gallery has generated over $1.12 million in revenues—entirely reinvested into the local economy—and supported more than 100 local artists. The gallery estimates it has connected more than 20,000 people to local arts and culture programming over the past five years.
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The organization unveiled its new board of directors ahead of the celebration, Joining president Jo-Anne Oucharek, former executive director of Cochrane Tourism, are vice-president Jonathon Tonietto, treasurer Marike Macdonald, secretary Vivian Oxenham, fundraising coordinator Denise Smith, and director-at-large Susan Lindsay.
“This board brings a dynamic mix of experience, vision, and passion for the arts,” said Lara Kruger, executive director. “Jo-Anne’s background in tourism strengthens the gallery’s ability to form strategic partnerships and grow the creative economy.”
Route 22 has been recognized for its innovative programming and community partnerships, including work with local schools, Indigenous artists, mental health advocates, and tourism groups. The gallery is also the founder and ongoing lead of the “Come Paint Alberta” festival circuit, which now includes nine partner organizations across southern Alberta.
The gallery’s success has been made possible by early support from the Town of Cochrane and the Totem Foundation, which helped secure a three-year federal funding agreement through PrairiesCan, as well as recent support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Rocky View County, and a growing list of community sponsors.
Kruger says a new partnership with a local community foundation is expected to be announced soon, setting the stage for further growth and long-term impact.