We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patricia Wegerhoff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The Story Behind the Name: Franz Dopf Gallery

When we were brainstorming names for our gallery, we wanted something that truly reflected our vision to showcase art from both emerging and established artists, supporting artists and creating a strong community where creativity can flourish, and to create a classy yet inviting atmosphere in the space. Finding the perfect name seemed impossible at first. None of the options we considered really resonated with me.

One day, I decided we needed to simplify our approach. The perfect name was right in front of us. I suggested to Tony, “Why don’t we name it after your dad?” Franz Dopf, with his Austrian heritage, had a very cool and classy-sounding name. It was meaningful and embodied the essence of what we wanted the gallery to represent.

Franz Dopf’s story is quite inspiring. He came to Canada after the war, exploring the Rocky Mountains with his friend Hanz. An avid mountain climber, he made some first ascents on various mountains. His sense of adventure and exploratory nature mirrored our own journey into this new business venture. Plus, Franz had built the very building our gallery is in. Back in the 80s, he had the foresight to construct a commercial building in what was then a run-down part of town, now a trendy hot spot in Calgary.

Naming the gallery Franz Dopf Gallery just felt right. As we prepared the website, I asked Tony for more stories about his dad. He brought out Franz’s diary, and as he flipped through, he found an entry detailing the completion and grand opening of the Kensington building on October 29th. To our amazement, that was the exact date we had unknowingly chosen for our gallery’s grand opening. It was simply meant to be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Introduction to My Journey and Creative Ventures

I was born in Ghana and moved to Canada when I was two years old. Growing up in Fort McMurray, Alberta, I always had a passion for creating, whether it was building things from wood, sewing my own clothes, or drawing. After high school, I earned a nursing degree and worked as a nurse for a few years, but I soon realized that I couldn’t fully express my creative side in that role. This led me to pursue a career in teaching, where I could blend my caring nature with my love for creativity, especially at an art-based school that reignited my passion for the arts.

How I Got into My Industry

During my time at home with my first child, I began redecorating our home extensively. My husband suggested I take an evening course in interior decorating, which I loved so much that I completed it as quickly as possible. This discovery of my niche in interior design led me to start my own business, which I successfully ran for 13 years. Five years ago, seeking another change, I turned back to painting and drawing, eventually creating a website, Curated Art and Living, to showcase my art and the work of fellow artists. This platform combines my passions for art, natural health, and interior design.

Products and Services

At Franz Dopf Gallery, which I co-founded with my friend Tony, we provide a space for artists to showcase their work and for art lovers to discover unique pieces. Our gallery features a diverse range of creative works from both local and international artists. We aim to solve the problem of visibility for talented artists by giving them a platform to exhibit their work. Additionally, we offer personalized interior design consultations, helping clients place art pieces to create spaces that reflect their personal style.

What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to fostering creativity and providing a supportive community for artists. Our gallery is named after Tony’s father, an adventurous spirit who inspired us to explore uncharted territories in the art world. This adventurous and exploratory spirit is at the core of everything we do. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming space where artists can thrive and where art enthusiasts can connect with the creative community.

Proudest Achievements

One of my proudest achievements is the successful launch and growth of Franz Dopf Gallery. In just eight months, we’ve been able to feature amazing artists and create a vibrant space that celebrates creativity. Another highlight was participating in an opening reception in Switzerland, which gave me the opportunity to showcase my art to an international audience.

Key Messages for Potential Clients and Followers

The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about our gallery and my work are:
-Passion and Dedication: Our gallery is born out of a deep passion for art and creativity. Every piece of art we showcase and every design consultation we provide is infused with this dedication.
– Community and Support: We believe in supporting artists and creating a strong community where creativity can flourish. Our gallery is a place where artists and art lovers can connect and inspire each other.
– Unique and Personalized Service: Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of art or need help placing that art in your space, we offer personalized services that cater to your individual needs and tastes.

At Franz Dopf Gallery, we’re committed to making the art world accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering creativity, and celebrating the unique talents of local artists and artists from around the world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Embracing Resilience Through Life’s Unexpected Challenges

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and I’ve certainly experienced that firsthand. About five years ago, I was ready to embark on a new adventure and career change. I had been running my interior decorating business for many years and was excited about discovering what my next endeavor would be. As someone who loves change, I was thrilled to start this new chapter.

But life had other plans. My world was turned upside down when my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Since I wasn’t working out of the home at the time, I was available to take care of her. All my plans went out the window as I took on the role of her full-time caregiver. With my background in nursing, I poured my heart and soul into caring for her.

Despite things not going as planned, I embraced this new role. I used the time I spent with my mom to paint, involving her in coloring and writing activities. It turned out to be a special time that we shared together, creating memories even amidst the challenges.

Just as I was getting used to this new scenario, another challenge hit. My daughter was diagnosed with a tick-borne infection, and I found myself constantly at the hospital or at doctor’s appointments. It was a nightmare. I had no time for myself, but I was driven to learn everything I could to help both my mother and my daughter.

During this period, I earned my Holistic Health Coach certificate and started my website, Curated Art and Living. Most people would have been completely overwhelmed by all of this, but I felt I had to keep moving forward. In the midst of these struggles, I found many blessings. My aunt came to Canada from Ghana for six months to help care for my mother, giving me a much-needed reprieve.

With my aunt’s help, I seized the opportunity to launch Franz Dopf Gallery. Those six months flew by, and soon I was back to caring for my mom while running the gallery. It wasn’t easy, but I managed it. This experience taught me never to underestimate what you are capable of. Times of adversity can really grow your character and show you what you’re made of. I didn’t know how strong I was until I had to be.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Tony Dopf and I have been friends for over 20 years. We initially connected through our shared passion for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. About a decade ago, Tony began dividing his time between Canada and Switzerland. Despite the distance, we stayed in touch through WhatsApp, sharing our life adventures and catching up whenever he was back in Canada.

While visiting Prague, Tony discovered his love for art. He took some painting lessons there and quickly realized he had a passion for it. This newfound interest gave us even more to talk about. Our WhatsApp conversations soon centered around our latest paintings, discussing the composition of our work, and excitedly sharing news about new art supplies we had acquired. It was fantastic to have a friend with whom I could share my enthusiasm for art.

We both share the same vision for our gallery: making art accessible to everyone. We are thrilled to provide a space where artists like us can showcase their creations to the world. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be able to do this together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.franzdopfgallery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franzdopfgallery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franzdopfgallery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-wegerhoff-3b23a967