From her studio in the cozy country hamlet of Glen Williams, Ontario, Sara Heathfield paints expressions of nature on canvas, and then prints her paintings onto fabric — creating striking pieces of wearable artwork for all to enjoy!
“I design wearable artwork because I believe that when you find a piece of art that speaks to you, you should be able to take it with you on your adventures and make it a part of your daily self expression. Life is too beautiful to be stuck indoors! Let art break beyond those boundaries… After all, you yourself are a work of art!”
– Sara Heathfield
Sara started her business at the age of 19, while attending Film School at Humber College. Not yet having a professional artist studio, she began by painting on the floor of her bedroom, at her parent’s house, producing commissioned works for friends and family.
In the midst of earning her post secondary education, Sara fostered her startup, while trying to break into the film industry as a set dresser. Also working part time in a flower shop for extra income.
With the encouragement of her peers, Sara began submitting her paintings to art shows. She produced her first series of paintings for the Annex Patio Art Show in downtown Toronto, in 2014, and began printing her artwork onto tote bags and phone cases.
Sara fell in love with the process of designing fashion accessories and saw her focus shift from painting artwork for walls, to painting artwork you could wear. She then began designing her signature scarves and umbrellas.
In 2016, Sara competed in numerous grant competitions and upon graduation, she used the money to take her business on the road, selling her wearable artwork at tradeshows and artisan markets across southern Ontario.
In 2017, using the revenue generated from her tradeshow tour, Sara opened her first professional artist studio on the second floor of Beaux-Arts Brampton—an art gallery housed in the historic Robson Block Building in downtown Brampton. Here she produced her second series of paintings—which she dedicated to the site—and began designing her kimono line.
In 2018, Sara debuted her new series, The Robson Block Series, and her printed kimonos at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, in Caledon. The event was Sara’s first solo exhibition, and all proceeds from the tickets sales were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel, whom Sara partnered with to host the event.
Feeling the call of a more rural setting, Sara has since moved her studio to the Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios, in the scenic town of Glen Williams, Ontario—where her business currently resides. A designated heritage site built in 1898; Sara’s studio is located in the beautiful Stone Building through the courtyard.
In 2019, Sara expanded her studio space to include a Gift Shop, where she now sells all her wearable artwork and printed pieces to the public.
Visit Sara In “The Glen”
Nestled in the Credit River valley is the charming hamlet of Glen Williams, Ontario—fondly called “The Glen” by the many eclectic artisans that dwell there.
While visiting Sara, discover the studios of over 30 painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, glassblowers, jewellers and more. All open to the public and waiting to be explored!
Peruse the various antique shops in town, or embark on the many nature trails that meander through the area. Then enrich the day with a dining experience at one of The Glen’s local restaurants.
