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SIGRID DAHLE
Sigrid is mourned by her husband Larry Kusch, her daughter Emma Kusch Dahle; her sisters, Dagmar Dahle and Gudrun Dahle; her brother-in-law Frank Kusch (Lisa); sisters-in-law, Pat Mitchell and Sharon Peters; nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Margot Dahle.
Born in Regina and raised there and in Calgary, Sigrid would go on to live in Edmonton (where she obtained a BA in psychology), Saskatoon, Brandon and Winnipeg - a true Prairie person. In her youth, she enjoyed downhill skiing and attending CFL games in Calgary with her dad. She would remain a Canadian Football League fan her entire life, rejoicing when the Blue Bombers ended their Grey Cup drought last year.
In 1982, she enrolled in the school of art at the University of Manitoba. This would propel her to a successful 30-year career in the visual arts that would see her curate or co-curate numerous shows, featuring (mainly) Manitoba artists, in Western Canada and as far away as Paris. Much of her work developed links between art, psychoanalytic theory and feminism.
Her notable exhibitions included: Abattoirs by Artists (Mendel Art Gallery, Saskatoon, 2001), Dust and To Conjure (Dunlop Art Gallery, Regina, 2003), The Gothic Unconscious (Gallery One One One, University of Manitoba School of Art, Winnipeg, 2003), casualty (Gallery C103, University of Winnipeg, 2007), take me to your leader (SAW Gallery, Ottawa, 2011). Some of her longer-term investigations, such as The Gothic Unconscious, continued to evolve and generate new forms spanning numerous presentations, publications and exhibitions, including There's No Place Like Home, as part of My Winnipeg (Maison Rouge, Paris, 2011).
Sigrid was the first director-curator of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon in the late 1980s. She is also remembered for her insightful articles as art critic for the Winnipeg Free Press from 2000 to 2002. She was an inspiring mentor to generations of artists, particularly through her work at Mentoring Artists for Women's Art. She was an excellent listener and gifted interpreter of art, providing intellectual, creative and emotional support to many.
Sigrid was forever reading and studying. In 2013, as an MFA thesis at the University of Manitoba, she produced I Never Stopped Being a Curator, a research project and exhibition that blurred the boundaries between curating and artmaking. In recent years, she served as the University of Manitoba's art collections coordinator. More information about Sigrid's career and her impact on the art community can be found in an online tribute page produced by the University of Manitoba's School of Art.
Sigrid loved bonfires, picnics and dinner parties (she was an outstanding cook). She was a keen observer of Canadian and American politics - and didn't hesitate to share her opinions. As an escape, she tuned into TV cooking shows, Say Yes to the Dress and SNL. She could re-watch comedies like Ghostbusters again and again. She was a very warm and caring person, and a great friend to many. Her hugs were unforgettable.
Sigrid spent the last 22 days of her life at St. Boniface Hospital (where she was particularly appreciative of the care provided by a nurse named Lorraine in 6A West).
She was the best mom and partner anyone could wish for. Her loss is immeasurable.
A celebration of Sigrid's life will be held after the coronavirus threat ends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Publish Date: Nov 14, 2020
SIGRID DAHLE
Sigrid is mourned by her husband Larry Kusch, her daughter Emma Kusch Dahle, her sisters, Dagmar Dahle and Gudrun Dahle, her brother-in-law Frank Kusch (Lisa), sisters-in-law, Pat Mitchell and Sharon Peters, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Margot Dahle.
A full obituary will appear in the coming days. A celebration of Sigrid's life will be held once the coronavirus threat subsides.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Publish Date: Nov 7, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2020, Nov 14, 2020
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I have just heard about Sigrid's passing from a work colleague. I had only met Sigrid once to discuss obtaining loaner artwork for our new office, as well as a piece I donated to our Indigenous Centre. She was obviously brilliant and we had a very insightful discussion, but what I recall most was her sincere excitement and sparkle which came from doing what she was so passionate about. I just would like to say that she left an impression on me, in addition to the art community. Please accept my sincerest condolences in your loss. - Posted by: Chris Cowan (U of M colleague) on: Dec 02, 2020
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Sincere Condolences to Larry Kusch Dahle and Family. As an artist. I was introduced to Sigrid at an art camp in the Westman region, as well as the University of Manitoba curator. Sigrid was prolific in the arts community and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time. Clyde and Lesley Finlay - Posted by: Clyde Finlay (Artistic colleague and friend, November17th, 2020.) on: Nov 17, 2020
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Sigrid was my mentor in 2002 through MAWA. I loved working with her, and learnt so much. She was An amazing mentor, artist and writer. She really helped me with my art practice. I always enjoyed speaking with her, she was a great listener and was always there when I needed her. Though I moved away and haven’t spoken with her in years, I will always remember our great talks over coffee. She will Be missed. - Posted by: Leanne Cipriano (Friend ) on: Nov 17, 2020
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I knew Sigrid years ago in Saskatoon where we shared many dinners and great conversations. I watched from afar as she found her true calling in the art world. It was so touching to read just how much she contributed to the art community in Winnipeg--I had seen just the beginnings of it in a visit to her and Larry many years ago. As with many friendships, we lost touch over years and distance, but my love for her never dimmed. All my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you Larry and Emma as you carry on with her in your hearts. - Posted by: Rebecca Garber (friend) on: Nov 16, 2020
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I’m so sorry to hear of this. Knowing of Sigrid for so many years, I finally had the pleasure of dining with her and two other colleagues last September when I was in Winnipeg. We immediately enjoyed each other and it felt as if we’d always been friends. Our conversations were wide-ranging and flowed spontaneously through art, politics, family and friends. I know she was a great influence in Winnipeg and beyond – this is a sudden and great loss. My heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues and especially my dear friend Dagmar. - Posted by: Marcus Miller (Colleague) on: Nov 15, 2020
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As the Head of the University of Manitoba Archives I had the distinct pleasure to work with Sigrid on a number of art related projects and sat on her thesis defense committee. She was so vital and enthusiastic and was such a wonderful thinker and researcher! We all benefited from her contributions and knowledge. And additionally, I remember her great kindness in visiting me after my own cancer surgery. This is a difficult time for all of Sigrid's family and friends and my thoughts and condolences go to everyone affected by this loss. - Posted by: Shelley Sweeney (Colleague and Friend) on: Nov 12, 2020
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The University of Manitoba's School of Art has created a tribute web page to highlight Sigrid's artistic legacy: http://umanitoba.ca/art/tribute-sigrid-dahle - Posted by: Helen (friend) on: Nov 11, 2020
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I send condolences to Sigrid's family and friends, and I am very sad because Sigrid is one of the cornerstones of the Winnipeg art community. I learned so much from her over the years, and her sharp and inquiring mind was and is an inspiration. And her sense of humour and brutal honesty was/is a gift to us all. I am sorry for your troubles. - Posted by: Barb Hunt (friend) on: Nov 11, 2020
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My sincere condolences to Larry and Emma. Sigrid was a curator at School of Art when I was an MFA student. She was so smart, so sharp, so encouraging, and so committed to moving art and ideas forward. Sigrid, you will be so missed! - Posted by: Gurpreet Sehra (Friend) on: Nov 10, 2020
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Dear Larry and Emma.So sorry to hear of your loss, Our sincere condolences. Keeping you in our prayers. Hugs from all of my family. from aunt Alice . - Posted by: Alice Kusch , and family (aunty to Larry KUsch ) on: Nov 10, 2020
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Dear Larry and family, and Sigrid's many artistic colleagues and friends, I was devastated to hear the news of Sigrid's passing this week. She was a larger than life presence in the Winnipeg artistic scene, and her joyful, collaborative spirit infused our community with inspiration and expressive excellence and fun. Many condolences to her dearest loved ones, and to those hundreds and thousands, among which I count myself, who were lucky enough to be among her "dear ones," we will miss her greatly. I cannot navigate my way through our city without noting the many lit up corners of our collective life she shone her perceptive curatorial eyes upon. Thank you for your grace, beauty, sense of appreciation, and love, Sigrid. Many blessings upon you, in this moment of loss and fond remembrance, bon voyage, goodbye, goodbye. Love, Di Brandt - Posted by: Di Brandt (Artistic colleague and friend) on: Nov 08, 2020
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Larry and Emma, so sorry for your loss and Sigrid's early departure under the circumstances of these unusual and difficult times. - Posted by: Cheryl Hendrickson (family friend) on: Nov 07, 2020
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Dear Larry and Emma, Mom, Meva and I were saddened to hear of Sigrid's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Daryl - Posted by: Daryl MacDonald (Cousin) on: Nov 07, 2020
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Our sincere condolences to family and friends. Tim & Pat - Posted by: Pat Hardy & Tim Schouten (friends) on: Nov 07, 2020
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