JUNE/JULY 2007

What do summer and Denver Modernism have in common? They're both HOT!

For all the breaking news on the Denver Modernism Show, Aug. 24 -25 - 26, visit www.denvermodernism.com !

Be sure to pick up the SUMMER ISSUE of ATOMIC RANCH magazine!!! They gave us a gorgeous 2-page spread!!!

....And, read on to hear about ALL the mod goings on in Denver this summer!

The Curtis: Denver's new Retro Hotel celebrates the 50s - 60s - 70s with theme floors!

We love this one! The old Executive Tower Inn, at 14th and Curtis in Downtown Denver, has been renovated into the state's most fun, most mod, most retro hotel!

The lobby is a modernist's dream, and the floors have themes like "TV Mania," Sci-Fi," "Big Hair", "Pedal to the Metal", "Mad about Music" and more! We think ANYONE coming to Denver should stay at this hotel!!!

We like it so much, we've named The Curtis "The official hotel of the Denver Modernism Show!" The LightRail system will zoom everyone from the Curtis to the show in just 8 minutes and the Lightrail stations are about a block from each location. The Curtis has given us a GROUP RATE of $99 per night when you give the code "Denver Modernism Show." Yay! Reservations:

1-800-525-6651. Reserve your room by August 2 to get the special rate!

Treat yourself to a stop at their website - www.thecurtis.com - It's a really fun site, with lots of retro imagery! (Also see the LODGING page on this site!)

LA's Charles Phoenix brings Retro Slide Shows to the Denver Modernism Show!

He may be the most amusing man in America. The Los Angeles Times has called him "The King of Retro.... ruling over a bygone era." Charles Phoenix, histo-tainer, author and slide-show comedian is coming to Denver as a special guest of the Denver Modernism Show! Don't miss his shows, Friday night during the Preview Party and Sunday afternoon!

Using vintage slides he has gathered over decades from thrift stores and yard sales, Charles takes viewers on a hilarious narrated tour of yesteryear, celebrating the styles, designs, fashions and faux pas of space age America. From the kitsch to the classic, Charles loves to celebrate mid-century design and culture. His massive collection of other people’s old slides from the 40s, 50s & 60s inspire his retro slide shows, Slide of the Week e-mail and coffee table books. From Prom Night to Weenie Roasts and back again - it's all here -- with a generous dose of vintage modern architecture, furnishings and flair!

Visit www.CharlesPhoenix.com for more - including Charles' recent road trip to Tulsa for the unveiling of the 1957 Time Capsule!!!

Happiness is a Mod Puppy

Charles Schulz had it right when he coined the phrase “Happiness is a warm puppy” back in the 1960s. And today, the same sentiment extends to polyethylene puppies. At least, at Denver's Mod Livin', it does. Mod Livin', at 5327 E. Colfax, is where you’ll find dozens of plastic puppies, all being auctioned off to happy homes at the end of July. The puppies, designed by Scandinavian legend Eero Aarnio, were made to accessories children’s rooms and stylish homes.

But that is just the beginning of the story. Mod Livin’ owner Jill Warner also loves REAL puppies (She has several), and she is using the plastic puppies to help real ones throughout metro Denver. Warner has solicited dozens of companies and individuals to take an Aarnio puppy and decorate it. The primped pooches will then be displayed at the store during July, until finally being auctioned off to the highest bidder on July 27. Then, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Downtown Animal Care Foundation, a local group that assists low income families with veterinary care bills.

The First Annual Puppy Show and Silent Auction takes place Friday night, July 27, 6 – 11 pm at Mod Livin’. Silent bids will be taken from 6 pm, and the award for the “prize pooch” will be given at 9. A DJ will be on hand from 9:15 – 11 pm, and refreshments will be served. The public is invited, and admission is free. For more information, contact jill@modlivin.com or call 720-941-9292.

Buy Tickets online for VIP Preview Gala at Denver Modernism Show

If you're a hardcore modernism fan, you'll want to be among the first to see and shop this year's Denver Modernism Show. We've decided to limit attendance to the initial VIP Preview Gala on Friday night, and to sell advance tickets for this special event. The VIP Preview Gala admission is 5 - 7pm, before the general public preview party begins at 7pm. The event runs until 10 pm.

The VIP Gala includes an open bar, live music, hors d'oeuvres and special give-aways. This will also be our time to offer free passes to the press, celebrities and special guests. It's a way to beat the crowds (Last year the line was REALLY long to get in...) and it will allow you to get "first crack at the merchandise" being brought in by dealers from around the country.

We are limiting the VIP Preview Gala tickets to the first 200 people. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/63665425 . Only the VIP Preview Tickets are available online. General public tickets must be purchased at the door.

At 7pm Friday night, tickets will go on sale to the General Public for the "regular" preview party ($10), which will include a cash bar and live music. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $5. The VIP Preview Gala ticket includes readmission all weekend.

A few more for your Party Calendar.....

Fri., June 29, 7-10pm -- Mod Livin Dot Spot party....Join us in celebrating the launch of the Mod Livin’ Dot Spot. The Dot Spot is a cohesive representation of Blu Dot pieces; a cool new store within a store. To commemorate the occasion, Mod Livin’ will be giving away a Blu Dot bed to a lucky winner! The evening includes a cocktail reception with John Christakos and Maurice Blanks, co-founders of the innovative furniture design firm Blu Dot. 5327 E. Colfax. 720-941-9292.

Fri., July 6, 6-9pm -- Plus+Gallery First Friday..... Last chance to see the spectacular SURPRISE! Show featuring new work by Peter Illig, Riva Sweetrocket, Wes Magyar, Jenny Morgan and more. Plus+Gallery, widely known as Denver's most progressive gallery for modern contemporary art, will have a double booth at the Denver Modernism Show this year! 2350 Lawrence St.

www.plusgallery.com

"Dangerous Move," by Peter Illig at Plus+Gallery

Fri., July 13, 6-10pm -- "Porn Star Passion Play"....Opening Reception for the new solo art show by Peter Illig at PIRATE: Contemporary Art, 3650 Navajo St in north Denver. The show includes several new large black and white paintings and a 36-ft long masterwork titled "Plato's Cave." Join us for drinks, refreshments, live music and..... Heck, with a title like that.... we don't need a lot of PR.... Show runs through July 29. 3650 Navajo St. in north Denver. www.peterillig.com

Be our FRIEND on myspace!

Don't you want to be FRIENDS with the Denver Modernism Show on myspace? Put us in your TOP FRIENDS and help us spread the word! We're at www.myspace.com/denvermodernism

SEND YOUR NEWS! And visit www.denvermodernism.com for all the local modernism news updates!

until next time....

-Dana