I have no problem admitting that I’ve become a bit more guarded with my time. A lot of my recent event coverage reflects that.
These days, my twenty-four-hour pie can be sliced very thin. So when I make the time to attend an event — especially one more than an hour from my front door — I want it to be worth the effort.
Though I do appreciate unique and well-built awards, they’re hardly the main draw. Event size isn’t much of a hook either, as it’s rare that I get the opportunity to see everything at a show with more than 100 vehicles.
Quality and variety, however, have always been paramount to me. Now, I’m no snob, and I’m certainly not expecting supercars around every corner.
I just hope to see a few interesting vehicles, alongside one or two that are a little less common. A few unique takes on classics, a handful of projects, and I’m in heaven.
Not too much to ask, right? At the end of the day, I just want the cars to be interesting enough to start a conversation.
Thankfully, many of the people I attended shows with years ago share the same outlook. In recent years, they’ve started organizing events of their own that tick all the same boxes.
Curated is the brainchild of two friends of mine: Jessica Paige and Arthur (Art) Malczewski, both highly respected members of the automotive community in their own right.
When Jessica told me they were teaming up to put on an event, I put it on my calendar — not entirely sure what to expect.
In fact, Jessica even asked me to put together a short list of cars I considered among the best in Ontario.
The result of their months of planning and mostly behind-the-scenes preparation was an event built around a carefully selected group of vehicles gathered at Four Fathers Brewing in Cambridge, Ontario.
Held early in the morning, the event borrowed from the now-popular Cars & Coffee formula. Unlike most of those gatherings, however, vehicle attendance wasn’t open to just anyone.
Invites were sent out prior to the event, and RSVPs were required to ensure everyone felt their time was being respected.
Absentmindedly packing rows of cars into the venue wasn’t the goal, and I don’t think I can stress enough how motivating that is as a photographer.
I enjoy the opportunity to play with composition, light, and angles. Rows upon rows of cars simply don’t allow for that. Thankfully, Jessica and Art also made sure to include vehicles from all corners of the hobby.
At one end of the parking lot, you could find a trio of kustoms worthy of a Sleds North Gathering.
Elsewhere, the vibe was distinctly more European.
The combination of genres made the event feel especially worthwhile.
Four Fathers Brewing Co. was a great setting for the event. The building itself served as a strong backdrop, and inside, the cold refreshments were a welcome pause between cars.
Perhaps most importantly, I was able to catch up with those I hadn’t seen in a few years. Events are just better when you get the opportunity to check in with friends.
As I mentioned, the demands on our time seem to grow every year, and I’m glad so many people are still able to keep their passion for vehicles alive — and steal a few moments to appreciate them.
I’m not sure what the next event Jess and Arthur have planned under Curated is, but I hope I’m able to make it.
I know I’m not the only one who found the morning to be a great start to what will hopefully be a strong season here in Ontario.
I’ll leave you with a few more photos. Be sure to follow Curated on social media for updates on the next event.
