At Pasadena Village’s October 9 Art Reception, the walls came alive with color, exotic patterns, and mysterious images. Villagers gathered to celebrate the newest work of Kären Bagnard, a longtime Village artist whose creative life continues to evolve in unexpected directions. Her art tells a story of imagination, resilience, and the freedom to explore new possibilities, even when life takes an unexpected turn.

Kären has lived a life of art. Where does her inspiration come from? Perhaps it is genetic. The daughter of two artists, she has been drawing for as long as she can remember and is largely self-taught. Perhaps it also comes from the Danish storytelling tradition that shaped her upbringing. Whatever the source, creativity has been her constant companion. During the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, Kären operated “More Than Mermaids,” her graphic design company. She also created a line of frameable art greeting cards that sold nationally for more than 34 years and in the United Kingdom for a decade.

Finding New Ways to See

The Eaton Fire of January 2025 destroyed Kären’s Altadena home of 51 years, taking with it a lifetime of nearly all of Kären’s original artwork. The fire was not the only challenge for Kären. For several years Kären’s eyesight has deteriorated to the point that she can no longer rely on the fine drawing that once defined her work. “I relied on my ability to draw very precisely. Now that my sight is nearly gone I have to find other ways to express myself,” Kären explained.

And she has.

Her post-fire work has taken her into exciting new territory. She has embraced the world of art papers, exploring an extensive range of materials from Japan, the Middle East, and France. Using decoupage techniques, she combines colors, textures, and patterns to create layered scenes that invite the viewer into a world of beauty and mystery. Kintsugi-inspired moons and images of fire appear in this new body of work, as well as underwater scenes, brilliant sunrises and line drawn faces that blend perfectly with her use of patterned papers.

“Her new work has taken on an abstract quality,” observed fellow artist and Village Board member Lorrie Gray. “It’s absolutely stunning what Kären can create,” marveled Al Miller. “It’s amazing how she can blend colors without being able to see colors clearly,” said Valerie Jones.

Kären’s art is approachable and tactile. She wants people to experience it up close—even to touch it. Her daughter Anna, a fabric artist, has collaborated with her on several pieces, adding another dimension to her exploration of materials and form.

The centerpiece of the exhibition was Another Door Opens, a striking 36-by-60-inch canvas. Its scale and intensity seemed to embody Kären’s determination to keep moving forward. As she explained to the audience, “I used images of foliage, nature and animals to represent an openness. The sunburst is my creative energy. The Dragonfly represents hope, resilience and spirituality.”

For Kären, a title is more than a label. “The title of a piece is very important to me. It’s almost like naming your children,” she said. Some titles emerge from a place of mystery, even to the artist herself. Discussing the work she calls Medusa, she confessed, “I have no idea where it came from. I have nothing against them, but snakes coming out of a head, that’s just weird.” Her candid observation brought laughter from the audience.

When environmental artist Maureen Kellen-Taylor was asked what she thought of the exhibition, her answer was simple: “It’s magic.”

The Art of Friendship

Kären’s story is also a story about the generosity and friendship that make Pasadena Village special. After the fire destroyed her home, fellow Villager Beverly Braun offered her a place to stay. It was not simply a temporary arrangement. Beverly told Kären she could remain for as long as she wished. Over time, the two have developed a close friendship, and Beverly’s house has become Kären’s home.

Their relationship extends beyond sharing a roof. Kären has hosted Village meetings, events, and new-member coffee gatherings on Beverly’s patio. Together, they have created a welcoming space for others, even as Kären rebuilds her own life. The generosity of that arrangement reminds us that recovery is not only about replacing what was lost. It is also about discovering new connections and finding ways to contribute.

For nearly a decade, Kären has organized art-related activities and events at Pasadena Village. Today, she coordinates art shows throughout the year. The Villagers’ artwork displayed on the walls whenever Villagers gather at the office is a testament to her steady commitment to making the Village a place where creativity can flourish. Each month she coordinates Village artists to meet and discuss their lives, creative processes, current projects, and completed work.

Kären also contributes to the Village monthly newsletter, Voice of the Village, with Gonzo style writing about life in the Village. For many years Kären has been a central organizer of quirky events from the Wickedly Wonderful Witch’s Brew to the Ragpickers Ball. Stay tuned for her next foray.

Fellow Village artist Karla Field calls Kären, “a true inspiration for older artists. When we are being creative, we are in touch with the Divine within,” Karla says.

After the reception, a group of Villagers continued the celebration over dinner at Mijares Restaurant. Gathered around a long table beneath the shade of oak trees, we talked about everything and nothing as the margaritas flowed. All of us are engaged in becoming the best versions of ourselves that we can muster.

Kären’s art offers a reminder that life does not end when circumstances change. Sometimes, when one way of seeing the world becomes difficult or impossible, another door opens. Her exhibition was more than a display of beautiful objects. It was a celebration of the courage to experiment, the power of friendship, and the possibilities that remain at every stage of life.

Kären Bagnard is still opening doors. And through her art, she invites the rest of us to walk through them with her.

Blog Topics Posts about this Topic