Calgary’s cultural community is small. It’s part of its strength and also part of its weakness. Being small means most people know each other for better or for worse. It also means that when a cultural pillar is removed the roof sags under the weight of the loss.
The roof is now sagging.
Kenneth Doren was a multimedia artist composer and a collaborator in every sense of the word. He brought together dancers visual artists musicians videographers and more through his audio-visual explorations. He worked with artist-run centres teaching production post-production and sound editing for artists.
Although I did not know Kenneth (or Kenny as it seems everyone called him) his reach was far. Those who are mourning his loss have all focused on his generosity of spirit and kindness — a recognition far more important than his creative talents.
There will be a memorial on Wednesday October 3 at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (Elbow Drive and 50th Avenue S.W.) starting at 1:30 p.m.
Our thoughts are with his family and his wife Gayle.
