all photos by Jamie Mann
On an unseasonably warm night in late May, about 35 people gathered at Vancouver’s Zientte to eat, drink and laugh together. It was a diverse group, but we all had one thing in common: We love Zoe Pawlak and her work.
I barely knew Zoe when we first chatted about art and business. In the meantime, she’s become a treasured friend. What also became clear on that lovely spring night, at her annual collectors dinner, is that everyone who is lucky enough to spend time with Zoe feels the same way. Even better? Having her work hanging on your wall.
As we tasted each delicious course prepared by Chaperone Catering (owned by Zoe’s husband, Seamus, and his business partner, Brendan Ladner), Zoe thanked everyone, individually, in front of the group. She described which of her pieces each person or couple had collected, and how they came to own the work. She also explained how the purchases had directly affected her family’s well-being. It was classy and heartfelt — and surprisingly emotional for many people in the room.
Talent blended with business savvy will take you a long way in this world. If, like Zoe, you also have a sincere, open heart, plus a good dash of humility and humour, literally anything is possible.
Want to attend next year’s collectors feast? Buy Zoe’s paintings!
