Next door to the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority at the end of government dock sits a peaceful shop known as Sa Boothroyd Gallery. Sa landed this retail location twenty-one years ago and is still going strong.
This gallery works double time as a storefront as well as a workshop where Sa creates her art. The comical illustrations have become popular not only on the Sunshine Coast but as well as across Canada and parts of the US.
Inside the Gallery
Tea towels are typically seen as generic household items to be used, washed, and forgotten, but what Sa is offering is a revamped and more interactive way of utilizing the otherwise ordinary items. Her clever play on words and sweet illustrations add comedic relief to her customers’ days, and joy can be felt by those who purchase with her.
The atmosphere inside the gallery is serene and relaxing. Being situated on the ocean and having tall ceilings with a solid wood frame creates the perfect setting for showcasing Sa’s witty and beautiful artworks. Sa refers to her staff as her ‘elves’ and they all work together to print, package, and ship Sa’s creations nationwide.
Each package is special as it includes custom packaging from Sa’s studio; an illustrated box containing your products as well as a custom sticker with the name of the ‘elf’ who packed it. This makes it extra memorable and special to order with Sa Boothroyd Gallery.
The simple dimensions of Sa’s art coupled by her success serve as a reminder to all fellow artists that art doesn’t need to be grandiose in order to be of value to others or to make a difference in someone’s day.
The Artist Behind the Art
Sa starts her days as early as 5:00am in order to do her sports such as swimming before beginning her work day. As a self-employed business owner, she feels she is always working to an extent, whether it be physically or in a mental capacity.
Sa shares that if she were to do anything differently throughout her career path as an artist thus far, she would have liked to have taken business courses before heading to art school, namely in management and social media. “‘cause you don’t learn anything about that in art school. You’re kind of on your own.” Sa says while sitting in her workshop on April 5th, 2023.
After briefly pursuing a career as a P.E. teacher, Sa went to art school in England at the age of 23. When the P.E. teacher gig didn’t pan out, Sa turned to art as an escape. She began pursuing art as a passion and then as a career path. She soon found out that doing art and making money off of it are two very different endeavors. Thankfully, she’s been successful at balancing both and has become a local featured artist in the small town of Gibsons, BC.
Sa explains, “…you kind of have to figure out what you’re going to say, or what your medium’s gonna be. What’s your thread that’s going to make all your work look the same? And so, the thread that I picked up on was humor.” After decades of learning the ins and outs of being a successful artist, Sa has gained first-hand wisdom on what works and what doesn’t.
In keeping with her humble claim that she isn’t really all that funny, Sa notes that when you’re producing humorous work, it’s tough when you end up not hitting the mark and flopping. Everyone flops sometimes, but it’s embarrassing. Through perseverance and grit, Sa has managed to come out on top with a loyal customer base that keeps growing. Her works are light-hearted and add entertainment and happiness to people’s days.
Two tea towels displayed inside Sa Boothroyd Gallery. There are tons more designs to explore on their user-friendly website here.
Sa is the only one of her siblings who chose to pursue art as a career, but that doesn’t mean talent doesn’t run in the family. Her grandfather was a successful lithographer who ran a company in India, her father is talented at illustrating, and her sisters excel in drawing and painting.
One of Sa’s first inspirations for pursuing art was Jim Henson’s famous Muppets, namely Bert and Ernie. At the young age of nine or ten, Sa wrote a letter to Sesame Street and received a response from who she hoped was Jim Henson himself, “…you just have to draw every day. Just keep drawing.” and so that’s what she did.
Instead of utilizing the latest technology and computer software for her art, Sa has decided to stick with what she knows and continues to create her works on tracing paper. Her designs are detailed and well thought out, as well as at times painstakingly organized into a certain format or storyline. Everything is purposefully made and comes out as a unique artwork fit for any kitchen dish rack, wall space, or something else.
Sa also prints her art onto tote bags, coasters, magnets, and cards. The tea towels remain the main attraction, however, according to sales. Other sources of inspiration include but are not limited to a riveting podcast with tea and digestive cookies. It doesn’t take much to inspire greatness.
A look down the government dock in Gibsons, BC where Sa Boothroyd Gallery resides.
Sa’s tea towels and other merchandise can be found along the Sunshine Coast at places such as the Sechelt Hospital gift shop and on the gallery’s user-friendly website. A lot of the gallery’s sales come from online orders, as well as wholesale and craft shows. Canadian through and through, the products are available in English or French.
Sa grew up in West Vancouver and loves traveling across Canada to sell her goods and to meet the people who purchase them at craft shows or elsewhere. “I get to meet the people in Quebec, I get to meet the people in Ontario, and Alberta. So I love that part of it.” Sa tells me as we listen to soft instrumental music at her colourful workstation inside the studio.
Creating Hope
Who doesn’t like a little bit of recognition? Not only does Sa get recognized for her incredible artwork locally but she’s also been featured on global television. During the recent pandemic, Sa’s Dr. Bonnie Henry tea towel gained traction as people looked for hope in a troubling time. The towel read, “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe”. A good reminder at the best of times, but especially during an unpredictable pandemic.
Unlike many other local businesses, the pandemic boosted sales for Sa’s gallery by around 300%. This was due partly to the exposure and success of her Dr. Bonnie Henry tea towels, as well as the fact that the studio had recently donated a large sum of profits to a charitable organization on behalf of all Dr. B. Henry tea towel sales.
It was the epiphany of a sour situation turned into sweet lemonade. Sa continues to create new designs at her gallery’s workshop with her dog Lupin and a staff of elves nearby to help along the way.
If you want to support a local business full of genuinely good-hearted and talented people, Sa Boothroyd Gallery may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. Wonderfully situated by the ocean and close enough to Vancouver for a fun day trip makes this gallery a must-visit novelty of the Sunshine Coast.
Thanks for reading!
Thoughts to Writings 