Kawartha Art Gallery announces creation of Ken Found Art Fund

In honour of Ken Found’s enduring legacy, his family has planned to preserve his support for the Kawartha Lakes Art community. As a testament to this commitment, not only was Ken Found’s art collection generously donated to the Kawartha Art Gallery, but also the creation of the Ken Found Art Fund held with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes.

This fund is dedicated to assist in acquiring artworks by local artists and hosting events to enhance the visibility of Kawartha Art Gallery. The Ken Found Art Fund will have a large impact on supporting KAG’s mission to advance a healthy rural creative economy for all.

“My father was an exceptional man. A community leader, entrepreneur, and man of culture. Always a steward to all he held dear,” says Wesley Found, president of Linborough Property Corp. and chair of the Lindsay BIA.  “He held a special place for the Kawartha Art Gallery. The community leader that he was, he understood KAG’s immense value to its residents. He made sure his children knew the importance of continuing that important connection. It is in that spirit, the Ken Found Art Fund was born.”

“Ken Found’s legacy through the Ken Found Art Fund will both carry forward Ken’s lifelong spirit of responsibility to the future of his community and further propel Kawartha Art Gallery’s growth trajectory, as it works to connect and engage our community through exceptional art and cultural programs and services,” added Susan Taylor, executive director of the Kawartha Art Gallery.

Ken Found exhibited a robust commitment to championing local artists, demonstrated through his acquisitions from the Kawartha Art Gallery, the only public art gallery in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Over the course of many years, Ken Found, the founder and former president of Linborough Property Corp., curated an eminent personal collection that graced Kent Place Business and Professional Centre located at 189 Kent Street W., Lindsay, Ontario. This collection of 61 pieces, in addition to a $10,000 donation, will be sold as part of the Gallery’s fundraising efforts.

“Through the creation of the Ken Found Art Fund, the Found Family has paved an enduring path for donors desiring to contribute to our region’s art endeavors at the Kawartha Art Gallery, whether through one-time contributions or lasting legacies,” says Laurie Dillon-Schalk, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. “We are privileged to oversee this generous gift, eager to introduce fresh avenues for donations, and anticipate widespread support for the KAG.”

The Kawartha Art Gallery is proud of our community and committed to develop, celebrate and safeguard its rich diverse talents. It tirelessly works to engage and inspire the community and beyond through exhibitions, events, art programming and exceptional educational programs. The support of its patrons will assist the Gallery with this important mission to promote this communities wealth of creative talents.

Individuals can contribute to The Ken Found Art Fund by visiting kawarthagallery.com/ken-found-art-fund. For other accepted gifts, please email to arrange an appointment with the Foundation.

The Ken Found Art Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. All tax receipts will be issued by the Community Foundation.