In Focus | Sara Gagnon

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Sara Gagnon.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I can’t pick one person, I'll have to say all my family.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland. The green, cliffs and forests are amazing.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mad Mango! Such good food and amazing customer service.

What is your favourite activity?
Hiking.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Walked into the boys bathroom by accident.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Recently, going to Saint Andrew for the artist residency for a month. It was so incredible. The nature, scenery and networking with other artists blew my mind.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Climbing a big pine tree right to the top and letting the wind sway me back and forth.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer for Casara, which is an air search and rescue organization. I also volunteer at kids camps every summer and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Thirdly, I volunteer at the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre from time to time teaching the clients art lessons.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Infuse hope into people.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Playing hockey, hiking, running, swimming, and skiing. Its hard to pick just one.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The forest. Especially up in east Kelowna on the top of mission creek.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see compost boxes out with the garbage and recycling like they do on the coast. I would like more bike paths on the roads. I commute by bike to work and it is hard when there are no bike lanes.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
There are so many things. The climate, forests, lakes and mountains. I like that it's not too big and it is easy to get around. But the beauty of the Okanagan Valley it is my favourite!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. For everyone reading this article to come see me at artwalk.
2. Go sky diving.
3. Travel to every continent.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am an avid chess player.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
On Instagram at artistsaragagnon or at www.saragagnon.com.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Sara Gagnon Artwork.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I want to capture the wonder and joy of the beauty the surrounds us. I want to capture the simplicities of life, nature and friendship. I create art because I love to journey through the lines and colour. My desire is to capture the ‘magic’. The journey begins with the initial lines and paint and as I see the transition, I begin to mold my work. It’s as if I’m opening and closing doors, looking for the exact light, contrast and compositional balance until I start to see a glimmer of magic.

What is the goal of your business?
Bring more beauty into the world.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Perspective. Learning to take a step back and see things in the right perspective.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I would do it the same. Slow and steady.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Nice and cool beans!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The queen of England and drink tea with her.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our local economy. Local goods are better quality and more fresh in general. Local artists create incredible things.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Making a living selling and teaching my art. Painting my masterpieces that I don't want to sell.

Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Leanne Spanza. She is an incredible artist, she paints happy art. She will be at artwalk this weekend as well.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Leanne Spanza.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Come down to the Artwalk, this weekend from Friday-Sunday and say hi to me and to see my art. It will be located in Lake Country Community Complex on Sunday at 2:00 pm in the big gym, doing a live one hour painting. While I paint I will be teaching and explaining the whole process to spectators.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.