Now retired, Karen Harvey was a Licensed Optician for 35 years. Karen and her husband opened the first one-hour optical store in Victoria, BC. Over the next ten years, they opened nine more stores that made glasses in one hour across the province. The couple raised three children in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island where Karen became a Girl Guide leader. “It was then I began to nurture my creative side, trying to keep the girls’ attention with new art and craft ideas,” she said. Over the years, Karen found that picking up her paint brush was a wonderful way to relax after a long, busy day.
Life’s journey brought Karen and her husband first to Okanagan Falls and then Summerland. “About two years ago I began using recycled materials to make fun and unique art projects. It’s amazing what you can do with discarded items,” she said. “I am also a member of the Summerland Potters Guild where I have reacquainted myself with the earth through clay.”
Karen’s artistic talents include playing the drums.