Ms. River Lisa Sauvageau was raised in Quebec, Canada, and in the Hudson River Valley, in upstate New York. At the age of 7 she was introduced to the use of the sewing machine by her grandmother, Alice Beausejours Brodeur, and tutored in needlework skills by her aunts. By the time she was 12 years old, Ms. Sauvageau was creating her own wardrobe and by age 16, selling her original creations. As her skills grew she broadened her experience with costume design, soft sculpture, jewelry making and painting. As a freelance designer Ms. Sauvageau has costumed over 50 theatrical productions as well as creating costumes for parades and promotional events. She has developed innovative patterning techniques and is an expert patternmaker as well as an accomplished designer. Ms. Sauvageau believes in giving back to the community that inspires her. She has shared her time and efforts with a variety of organizations over the years. Her volunteer activities have included costume design and fundraising for Illusions Childrens' Theatre. She has helped to produce the annual Ojai Mardi Gras Benefit Ball, and has been an art director for "Ojai Day", an event where she leads the creation of the annual street Mandala. In recent years Ms. Sauvageau has also expanded her opus with the creation of Ceremonial Tipis. Ms. Sauvageau's committment to quality and creative integrity is reflected in her work.