Meet Sarah! Sarah is originally from Calgary and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan on and off for almost 30 years now. She enjoys being active and outdoors exploring the city with her husband, and spending some quality time painting in her studio.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Calgary, moved here in 1990, grew up here, left for school 2011-2014, and have been here since then.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Blaine. We love to get outdoors and play in the Okanagan, and he's the best adventure buddy I could ask for. We hike, swim in the lake, mountain bike and play tennis. We live downtown and hike Knox Mountain at least every week.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love buying produce at BCTree Fruits, and maybe tasting a little bit of cider while I'm at it! I also frequently shop at Opus quite regularly for art supplies and enjoy Frock and Fellow and Blonde.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Portugal for a cycling trip. I've never been and it's next on my bucket list of places to explore.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Painting in my studio at the New Arts Collective downtown. It's in this gorgeous heritage building with beautiful natural light, tucked away above Bernard and Pandosy. I love being able to have a workspace that inspires me.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm a full-time elementary school teacher, so I find myself doing embarrassing things all the time to make my students laugh and keep the mood light. I think I block most of these out of my memory though!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
As an artist in the Okanagan, I am constantly inspired by nature and beauty all around us. We have an incredible natural space, that is worth protecting. As a teacher, I am consistently inspired by my students, both elementary-aged and adults taking my painting classes.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Climbing up Mount Boucherie from behind my childhood home. I would go almost every day in the summer with my younger brother and neighboorhood friends. We would look for snakes and butterflies, and see if we could find new spots to play.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer at my church, The House, and am involved in the music ministry. I also donate to causes that are important to me. I teach painting classes in the community as well.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would end homelessness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kalamoir Park.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I've been here for a while, and I think Kelowna is growing in a lot of positive ways, especially in terms of art and culture. I would love to see more of that! More support for our amazing artists, musicians and creative people in Kelowna. It would be great to see more venus opening up for live music and theater, and more public gallery space.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has incredible natural beauty, lots of great places to play outside, excellent wine, and a vibrant arts community. We are growing up.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Complete an artist residency
Go paragliding
Explore South America
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I taught grade 5 in Thailand for my very first year as a teacher. And I wrote a blog about it.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Sarah Lewke Artist Instagram: @artbysarahlewke website: sarahlewke.ca
What is the name of your business/organization?
Art by Sarah Lewke.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always been a maker and loved painting. In the last few years, I started teaching art classes in the community and made painting more of a priority in my life. It has been an amazing experience.
What is the goal of your business?
To be able to keep on creating art, and inspire others to as well. Creativity is vital to who I am as a person, and being able to sell work and teach classes is a way for me to give part of myself to the community, and support my dream financially.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Battling the constant barrage of excuses that keep me from making art, such as not enough time, no inspiration, and my own doubts about my talents. I can usually overcome most of these by picking up a paintbrush and getting to work.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't think so. I've definitely made lots of mistakes along the way, but I am happy with how things in my life turned out!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"That was amazing." But, to be fair, I just got back from a two week trip to Bali with my husband, and it's summertime in the Okanagan. During the school year, I hear myself saying "Please quiet down everyone" all. the. time.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Brene Brown. I've learned so much about courage from reading her books, and I feel like courage is so important for creativity. I talk about courage all the time to my students. Courage to be vulnerable and creative. Courage to share with others and believe you have enough to share. Courage to stand up for what's right, let your voice be heard, and to truly listen to one another.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because when you buy something locally, especially when it's locally made, a real person who lives in your community does a happy dance. I know this from personal experience when people buy things I've made.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Completing my Bachelors of Fine Arts and Bachelors of Education.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Liz Ranney is one of the Co-Creators of the New Arts Collective, and just an amazingly talented human. Liz is a painter, designer, and graphic artist, plus a wife and mom! She deserves tons of recognition and business.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Liz Ranney
Some general comments I would like to share are:
For anyone who reads about me and is inspired to be creative but would like a little support, I'll be teaching a 6-week watercolor class in the fall at the New Arts Collective. More information and registration can be found on the New Arts Collective website. Also, if you'd like to meet me and visit my studio, please contact me at ms.sarah.lewke@gmail.com.
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
