Denver Modernism News

MARCH/APRIL 2008 NEWS

2008-04-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Fans of Modern,

I found out last night that the Peace Symbol just celebrated it's 50th birthday last month! How's THAT for a mid-century design icon?

Looking for something groovy to do? Well, here ya go....

luv,

Dana

www.denvermodernism.com

Vintage Voltage Expo offers cool audio gear, deco radios, mod TVs and more!

No swingin' mod pad is complete without a classic stereo.... maybe a space age Weltron system or a classic Danish turntable .... Perhaps you prefer an antique art deco floor radio..... Whatever your taste in vintage audio, radio or music gear, you'll find it at the Vintage Voltage Expo! Organized by the same masterminds (yes, us! Ha!) who bring you the Denver Modernism Show, this event is too cool to miss!

With over 75 vendors from around the region; a giant contest and display provided by the Colorado Radio Collectors Club; special guest speakers; and a live band..... There is really something for everyone at the Vintage Voltage Expo.

Audio journalist and expert Steven Stone will speak at 12 noon on "How to Assemble a Vintage Hi-Fi System," and our favorite 60s Surf Guitar Band, The AquaSonics will take the stage from 1 - 3 pm! The Colorado Radio Club will hand out their ribbons for the best entries in their huge 50-table contest area in the early afternoon.

Admission is $5. Early Bird admission ( 9 AM) is $10, and kids under 12 are free. For lots more info, and photos of last year's sellout show, visit our website at www.DanaCain.com and click on the Vintage Voltage Expo page.

Sunday, March 30, 10am - 3pm
Ramada Plaza Convention Center
I-25 at 120th Ave.
Northglenn/Denver

303-347-8252

www.DanaCain.com

Vintage Glass & Pottery Show set for April 26-27 in Castle Rock

The 34th annual "Array of Color" glass and pottery exhibit, show and sale, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Depression Glass Society, will be held on April 26-27 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The show will feature an exhibition of glass and pottery from Denver's legendary Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art.

Also in the mix - 14 exhibits featuring Cambridge Nudes, three very rare Cambridge Art Deco mannequin heads, Cambridge Flying Lady Bowls, Tiffin Modern, Steubenville American Modern & Woodfield, Imperial Twisted Optic & Duncan Miller Spiral Flutes, Metlox Free Form china, Franciscan Starburst china & Federal Atomic and lots more!

This glass and pottery show is one of the premier shows in the country (!) and provides an excellent opportunity to purchase museum quality decorative items for the home or office. All types of glass and pottery will be available for sale including all of the major names and types, including Modern, Elegant, Carnival, EAPG, Kitchen, Barware, Depression and more. The show features 34 unique dealers from across the United States. (Hey - 34 dealers at the 34th annual show.... Did they plan that?) Admission is just $4 - good for BOTH days!

April 26 - 27

Hours: Saturday 10 - 5; Sunday 11 - 4

Douglas County Event Center

500 Fairgrounds Road (I-25 exit 181)

Castle Rock, CO
303-699-0780

Peter Illig solo show at Plus Gallery opens tonight

Since last summer, Peter Illig has been working on an incredible new body of work. The culmination - a solo show called Full Fathom Five - debuts at the prestigious Plus+Gallery this month.

We can't wait for you to see this show! Peter has expanded his metaphorical visual vocabulary yet again - in epic and ambitious oil paintings that explore themes of desire and disaster, history and heroes, Shakespeare and shipwrecks. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Winslow Homer, Betty Crocker and Godzilla, Peter dives deep into his own psyche, dredging up tantalizing images to challenge and enthrall viewers.

The largest entry in this new Plus+Gallery show sold over the weekend to Howard Tullman, one of the country's premier collectors of representational art. Peter's work also appears in the personal collection of Christoph Heinrich, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Denver Art Museum. And, last but not least... Peter's painting, "Three Movie Women" was featured in the New York Times on February 28.

Opening Reception: TONIGHT - Thursday, March 13, 6 - 10 pm

Artist Talks: Friday, March 21, 7pm
Plus+Gallery

2350 Lawrence St.

Denver, CO 80205

www.peterillig.com

"Action Painting" by Peter Illig, 39 x 60, oil on canvas.

2nd Annual "Best in Show" Puppy Charity event at Mod Livin!

It's time again for the Mod Livin' charity event to benefit the Downtown Animal Care Foundation.

For those of you unfamiliar, this is the gala involving businesses and individuals who decorate Eero Aarnio plastic puppies for display in the Mod Livin' showroom. Then, in a night of fast paced auctioneering, the pups are bid on and return to new homes! All proceeds are donated to the Denver Animal Care Foundation which provides low cost veterinary services to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Last year's event was a smash hit, and this time we're broadening it by adding online voting and prizes to the individual or business that raise the most money.

Online voting begins TODAY - Thursday, March 13, and continues through March 26! Click on www.modlivin.com to vote for your favorite puppy!

Friday, March 28th 7pm - 11pm
Modlivin' Showroom
5327 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
720-941-9292

www.modlivin.com

Upcoming Modernism Shows

It's FUN to go to Modernism Shows in other states! Hop on a plane or plan a road trip!

April 18 - 20 - Michigan Modernism Exposition, Southfield, MI www.antiqnet.com/M&M

April 25 - 27 - Chicago Modernism www.chicagomodernism.net

May 2 - 4 - Los Angeles Modernism Show and Sale www.lamodernism.com

June 7 - 8 - Art Deco & Modernism Sale, San Francisco, CA www.artdecosale.com

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

www.denvermodernism.com
Denver Modernism Show central: show photos. updates. vendor info. links. more.

NEW SITE DESIGN COMING SOON from Hillary Carlip's www.flyhcmultimedia.com

DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 NEWS

2008-04-12T14:05:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends and Fans of Modern,

Happy Holidays! Snow is falling in Denver today and it seems a great time to tell everyone the latest news.... So grab a cup of hot chocolate and read on....

luv,

Dana

Nick Horvath Opens Modern Decodence on S. Broadway

What a happy piece of news! Nick Horvath is one of the rare people who is universally loved by all. He's just the nicest guy in town. And - MAN - does he have the eye for Modern! He is smart as a whip regarding all things mid-century, and his taste is impeccable! So, it won't surprise anyone to learn that his new shop, at 1421 S. Broadway, is a MUST-SEE!

"I am going to specialize in my brand of 'Sophisticated Twentieth Century Modern Furniture and Decorative Arts',"says Nick, "which is my tag line." You can expect to see plenty of sleek, clean modern lines in Nick's shop, but be prepared for a dash of what I call "Gabor style" thrown happily into the mix. (That's Zsa Zsa and Eva...) Who can resist?

Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 11-6, and Sunday 12-5. The shop is closed Mondays.

Modern Decodence is at 1421 S. Broadway! Add it to your shopping route!

The Changing Modscape of South Broadway: Let us Review!

Nick's new shop is just the latest in a series of big changes on South Broadway's Antique Row. American Vogue has closed. We just heard Celebrity Vintage is also closing. Lee Alex Decor has moved. Popular Culture has moved. Who can keep up?

Here is the new rundown for Modernism Shoppers on South Broadway's Antique Row....

18 S. Broadway - Boss Vintage - Mostly clothes, but also some other great finds!

57 S. Broadway - Decade - A funky mix of 50-style and shabby chic!

66 S. Broadway - Lee Alex Decor (sign says Vintage Furniture) - Fab selection, great variety and good prices!

1407 S. Broadway - Hooked On Glass - yes, glass...but TONS of great vintage furniture and home decor too!

1421 S. Broadway - Modern Decodence - Nick's new place! See our lead story!

1957 S. Broadway - Popular Culture - The new location is bigger and better!

1959 S. Broadway - Home & Again - Right next door to Popular Culture...with plenty of mod in their mix.

Notice how you only have to park your car in 3 spots to hit ALL of these shops!

And, of course, there are always a few mid-century treats tucked into many of the other standard antique shops too!

This Holiday season, why not pick a day to shop mod on Antique Row?

Denver Modernism Show Photos on Website

Well, I've finally gotten a bunch of photos posted from the grand and glorious Denver Modernism Show held last August! Check them out at www.denvermodernism.com .... or you can use this link to go straight to the photo page: http://denvermodernism.com/Photos2007.html

And, don't forget to mark your calendars....

Denver Modernism Show

Aug. 15-16-17, 2008

National Western Complex

Expo Hall

(3rd Floor, Hall of Education Bldg)

I-25 at I-70 intersection

Over 30,000 sq ft - BIGGER THAN EVER!

Vendor booth rates and contracts coming soon!

Late-Night Holiday Shopping at Mod Livin' - and take 25% off!

Whether you're after vintage modern or new modern, chances are you can find something super cool at Mod Livin'.... It's just that big, and that good. And they are catering to holiday shoppers this month, with all sorts of little ornaments, cards and gift items. Ever the top notch marketers, the Mod Livin' crew is also offering LATE NIGHT SHOPPING every Friday from 6-9 from now until Christmas.

That's TONIGHT, people! Expect treats and you can even get a 25% off coupon for the event by clicking HERE !

Vote for your favorite "Wrap Star"!

Maybe you noticed it in yesterday's Denver Post - a splashy page featuring 10 wildly-wrapped presents! It's an annual contest, and the Denver Modernism Show is in it! Not only that - so is Mod Livin' and many other Denver Modernism Show supporters; Lauri Lynnxe Murphy who's curating our 2008 art gallery, The Denver Art Museum, who supplied last year's art gallery juror, and Tracy Weil, a VIP shopper every year! Anyway, all of the packages are STUNNING and cool, and you should go vote for your favorite!

Here's the link to see them all and vote:

http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_7702512

The Denver Modernism Show "Wrap Star" entry, "Christmas Island," celebrates our new Tiki Lounge vendor area set for 2008!

Upcoming Modernism Shows
It's FUN to go to Modernism Shows in other states! Hop on a plane or plan a road trip!

Feb. 1 - 3, 2008 - Miami Modernism www.miamimodernism.net

Feb. 15 - 17, 2008 - Palm Springs Modernism www.palmspringsmodernism.com

Feb. 29 - March 2, 2008 - The Modern Show, New York City www.stellashows.com

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

Happy Holidays!!!!

-Dana

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007 NEWS

2008-04-12T14:05:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Fans of Modern,

As I sit at my computer, still basking in the glory of the 2nd Denver Modernism Show (details below), I realize BREAK TIME IS OVER and it's time to tell everyone what's going on this fall!!!

And there's plenty!....

What's big and mod and (red) all over?

MOD LIVIN'S midcenturi(red) PARTY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!!!

We are heading into the season of GIVING, folks, and Mod Livin' is kickin it off with an OVER THE TOP CHARITY PARTY kicking off a super new 6-month giving program.... It's tied in with the international (red) movement!

(red) is a new phenomenon, sweeping the country.... It's a chance for people to get involved and funnel money to those in need just by buying cool stuff they'd want to buy anyway. Companies like Mod Livin' and certain manufacturers are giving 10% of the sale price of anything that is the color RED to support the Global Fund, an organization that is an international leader in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. How cool is THAT?!

So put on your red dress (guys, you can just wear pants...) and GET TO MOD LIVIN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, OCT. 26 (tomorrow!).... 6-9pm. 5327 E. Colfax Ave. They're suggesting a $10 donation at the door, to get folks into that GIVING mood! But once inside, you'll be able to eat and drink your donation's worth, thanks to plenty of hip and generous sponsors!

The HUGE gala (red) auction starts at 7pm... with a long list of groovy goodies on the block... including A COCKTAIL PARTY FOR 20 AT THE SCULPTURE HOUSE (aka the Sleeper House, the Clamshell House... you know the one... in Genesee!) How much would you bid for THAT opportunity!!?? Auction proceeds benefit the Global Fund and the Colorado AIDS project! Aristocrat Auctions is stepping up to make sure the evening is professional and fun!

This is a BIGGIE, gang! If you're not at this party... you're just not where it's at, baby!

Info: www.midcenturired.org or 720-941-9292.

Picture you and 19 of your friends having cocktails here!

Bid for it at Mod Livin' Friday night!

Denver Modernism Show draws nearly 3,000 people~ ... 2008 Dates, Location Announced!

Holy COW! Thanks to the 2,900 of you who helped make the 2007 Denver Modernism Show such a gigantic smash hit! The turnout was phenomenal, sales were great and the events were all well-attended. Charles Phoenix had Standing Room Only for both of his Retro Slide Shows! The Art Gallery section was packed with over 100 entries (we had nearly 200 submissions)! And, as a testament to the volume of show sales, two dealers left with NOTHING, having sold everything they brought!

Kudos to Chris Bailey and Dynamic Events for the show's fantastic production values... our beautiful walls, track lights and wall paper added a new dimension to the show, that we plan to continue!

And now.... MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Aug. 15 - 17, 2008! And - YES - we're moving to a BIGGER VENUE!!! The 3rd Annual Denver Modernism Show will be held at the National Western Complex, near the intersection of I-25 and I-70! How convenient is that? We have a GREAT SPACE in the Expo Hall (Hall of Education).... Our show floor is expanding to over 25,000 sq ft! And we have the Coors Art Room on our floor, too - a gorgeous Art Gallery! And.. we'll have BETTER CATERING!

How much have we expanded in 3 years? The Art Gallery for 2008 is the same size as the entire 2006 Denver Modernism Show! Stay tuned for lots more info on this one, gang!

L to R: Cincinnati Modern's booth; Plus Gallery booth; Eames Demetrios sold out of books!

Charles Phoenix RETURNS -- for Retro HOLIDAY Slide Show Nov. 29!
If you saw him at the Denver Modernism Show in August, you KNOW he's fabulous!

If you saw him on Martha Stewart this month, you KNOW he's hot!

If you HAVEN'T seen him.... my friend, you are out of the LOOP!

GET OUT THE EGGNOG AND FRUIT CAKE! Cuz....

CHARLES PHOENIX'S RETRO HOLIDAY SLIDE SHOW

IS COMING TO DENVER!

Thursday, Nov. 29

7 - 9 pm

Robert W. Steele Elementary School Auditorium

320 S. Marion Parkway

north of Washington Park 1 block east of Alameda and Downing

WHAT: Charles Phoenix, America's Favorite Histo-Tainer, supercharges the classic living room slide show into a laugh-out-loud funny celebration of mid-century American Holiday Culture! You'll be put into the Holiday Sprit like never before! Experience how we decorated, dressed up, dined, drank and smoked during the holidays in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. Celebrate New Year’s with the most bizarre rose floats ever; Easter mixing cocktails in a motel bathroom and 4th of July fireworks at Disneyland. Carve a jack-o-lantern with a suburban dad and dress up for Halloween, and then live the tragic life of a Thanksgiving turkey. Attend a Christmas bondage party then learn how to make a toilet paper Christmas tree. Visit Santa’s Village, Southern California’s most bizarre theme park, see who got the best toys on Christmas morning and more IN COLOR!

WHERE: Built in the 1930s-40s, Steele Elementary is designated a Historical Landmark for its amazing Deco design and accents... which are STILL INTACT today! The Auditorium, immediately inside the front door, is spectacular... It even has a BALCONY! The giant wooden stage is flanked with red velvet curtains and the seating is comfy and sized for adults! Located in one of Denver's hippest areas, just north of Washington Park, the school is very central, with tons of free street parking. What better place to get into a nostalgic mood... than in a historical elementary school! You'll LOVE IT!

WHO: LA's Charles Phoenix has been called the "King of Retro!" Earlier this month, he was on the Martha Stewart Show, delighting viewers with his vintage Halloween slides! He has written several fabulous books on mid-century culture, and is regarded as LA's primary kitsch culture preservationist... His slide shows are LEGENDARY!

HOW: How do you get tickets? You can buy them ad the door (if still available) or in advance! Admission is $20 and includes eggnog and treats! Advance Tickets available while they last at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/78287159 .

VISIT: www.CharlesPhoenix.com for more on Charles, and to see his Martha Stewart appearance!

All American Vogue Closing in November

Ronnie Crawford has been selling vintage clothes, furniture and accessories on Denver's hip S. Broadway strip for 29 years! That's why it truly pains me to report that he is retiring from the biz.... and his shop, All American Vogue, 10 S. Broadway, is closing in November. While the "official" last day is Nov. 1, employees say to expect the shop to be open until around Thanksgiving. Currently all vintage clothes are 50% off, and vintage furniture is 30% off. So, get down there, pay your respects, and show some love....

National Scene: New Modernism Show in Vegas; LAMA sets record prices!

Don't you just LOVE modernism shows???? Well, now, thanks to Rosemary Krieger and Dolphin Promotions, we'll have MORE to love in 2008! Dolphin is launching TWO new modernism shows ... and they're both out west! MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Sept 12 - 14, 2008 - San Francisco Modernism Show (an extremely high end affair is planned...)

Oct. 3 - 5, 2008 - Las Vegas Modernism Show (Hey - this will be the closest one to Denver! ROAD TRIP!!!)

For more info on these, and Dolphin's other shows, visit www.dolphinfairs.com

....Also on the national modernism scene, LAMA, the Los Angeles Modern Auctions, reports RECORD PRICES for several pieces at their California Design and Fine Art auction held recently YAAAY! LAMA achieved world records for works by Judy Chicago (“Car Hood” realized $288,000), Andy Warhol (“Jane Fonda” realized $45,000), Richard Diebenkorn (“High Green I” realized $156,000) as well as strong prices for works by Milo Baughman and Sam Maloof (Dining table realized $144,000). It was a standing room only crowd with heavy international interest. Overall the sale realized $1.9M, a LAMA record! For more, visit www.lamodern.com

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

Ciao, ya'll....

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007 NEWS

2008-04-12T14:03:00.002-07:00

There is SO MUCH going on this month!

The BIG NEWS is the Denver Modernism Show is Aug. 24 - 26.....

But, WAIT! There's MORE!....

Eames family at Emmanuel Gallery and Denver Modernism Show

There simply is no bigger name in modernism. Eames! Friday night's VIP Preview Gala at the Denver Modernism Show will include a rare appearance by Eames Demetrios, grandson of legendary designers Charles and Ray Eames. Demetrios, who works with Eames Office and the Eames Foundation, will be signing books at the Zeitgeist/ Zmodern booth during our VIP Preview Gala! How cool is THAT!?

Carla Hartman, granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames, will be speaking at Emmanuel Gallery that Friday afternoon (Aug. 24) at 3pm, as part of the Gallery's amazing show, Eames 100: This is the Trick.

The Perfect Plan: Visit Emmanuel Gallery for Carla's talk at 3 pm then drive south down Kalamath to Alameda, turn left on Alameda and see Eames Demitrios after 5pm during the Denver Modernism Show's VIP Preview Gala! Make this an Eames-filled Friday!

If you haven't seen Emmanuel Gallery's show, Eames 100: This is the Trick, it runs now through Sept. 7, located on Auraria Campus. The show features some of the Eames' iconic furniture designs, short films and more! Visit www.emmanuelgallery.org for more info!

And if you missed Mary Voelz Chandler's cool article in today's Rocky Mountain News, promoting both appearances:

Blues superstar Otis Taylor returns to CO modernism scene!

Last millennium, Boulderite Otis Taylor was a fixture in the blossoming Colorado Modernism scene! He dealt in high end, gorgeous, wonderful stuff! I know some of you remember him fondly!

Now, more of you know him as Otis Taylor the Blues superstar who's cut more than one Top 10 CD while living in New York for the past few years. Otis has been focusing on his musical career - and with amazing results! Visit www.otistaylor.com to see what I mean! Downbeat Magazine named his latest "Blues Album of the Year," and Otis was even an answer in the NY Times Crossword Puzzle!

Now, I'm proud to announce that Otis Taylor will be returning to the local modernism scene and sharing a booth with Santa Fe dealer Steve Maras at our upcoming Denver Modernism Show! Make sure to stop by and welcome him home!

Retro Rose closes doors on E. Colfax

We were sorry to see that Retro Rose on East Colfax has closed its doors. The shop had been a fixture in Denver for several years, and in Arvada for several years before that. Owner Brad Busby couldn't be reached at press time. We wish him well and hope that Retro Rose re-blooms in a new location soon!

Kirkland Museum stages Marecak Retrospective

Our beloved and world-famous Kirkland Museum, 1311 Pearl St. in Denver, plans to unveil a new show in late September. Marecak Diptych will gather together the works of Donna and Edward Marecak from numerous public and private collections. The exhibition demonstrates the Marecaks’ skill to create art in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, drawings, prints, textiles, ceramics, and furniture.

Edward Marecak (1919-1993) and Theresa (Donna) Fortin Marecak (1922-1998) met as students at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and married in 1947. Edward’s artistic focus was as a painter, known for vivid colors and mythological elements in his work. Edward’s parents were Slovakian and he incorporated allegorical elements in his paintings using witches, sprites and more. Donna was an accomplished ceramic artist noted for her exquisite detail and unusual techniques, including a sugar water process. They often collaborated on designs for tableware, textiles and furniture.

Sounds like a great show - and a good excuse to visit the museum again. If you HAVEN'T visited the Kirkland Museum, you need to have your hand spanked with a ruler. Come ON! It's like one of the Seven Wonders of the Modernism World!!!

The show runs Sept. 28 - Dec. 9. For museum hours and more information, visit www.kirklandmuseum.org .

JUNE/JULY 2007

2008-04-12T14:03:00.001-07:00

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

APRIL/MAY 2007 NEWS

2008-04-12T14:02:00.001-07:00

Davies Chuckwagon Diner opens 2nd location

If you like modern design (duh!) and you like retro-style diner food (hello!) then you already love the original Davies Chuckwagon Diner on West Colfax. The aluminum deco place with the horse on top and the great neon sign....

Yes - that one!

Well, if that location was always just a tad too far west for your tastes, you are IN LUCK my friend.... because there is now a SECOND Davies Chuckwagon Diner -- and it is in a building that is ALMOST as cool as the first one. 2601 W. Alameda (at Bryant, between Federal and I-25) used to be the happy home of Paul's Cafe and Steak House before it was cleaned up and born again as the new Davies! Paul's was featured in last year's Denver Post story on Googie architecture! It is very Jetsons! And once they replace the light fixtures, it'll be PERFECT! (Someone.... make them change the light fixtures...)

So - if you get a hankerin for a steak and egg breakfast for under $5, and it's before 3pm (that's when they close) then head over to 2601 W. Alameda and visit the NEW Davies Chuckwagon Diner! You'll think you're time travelin !

Studio Mod Livin' debuts

I don't know how they DO IT.... Mod Livin' owners Jill and Erick must never sleep. They are CONSTANTLY upgrading their store, coming up with NEW things to offer, painting, redecorating, adding rooms..... And it's not like Mod Livin' NEEDS improvement! I mean.... the place has been pretty darn near PERFECT since it opened a few years ago.

And yet... it just keeps getting BETTER. One of several LATEST BRAINSTORMS is Studio Mod Livin'. The spacious upstairs loft has been converted into a full-service design studio, complete with all the STUFF and the EXPERTISE you need to transform your home or office into a modernist's dream. Whether you're going for Deco or Danish or anything in between..... they can help you out! Big budgets, little budgets -- It's all good.

Designer Kyndra Georgeson is the gal that's making it happen. She has 12 years experience, has been a Knoll designer and is a member of ASID. To set an appointment, call 720-941-9292 or email jill@modlivin.com.

Artist Peter Illig reinvents "retrosexual" with "Mysteries of Babylon" show

Peter Illig, "the official artist of the Denver Modernism Show" is debuting a new body of work this Friday night at SPARK Gallery, 9th and Santa Fe Drive in Denver's Art District. "Mysteries of Babylon" includes over 20 paintings, largely inspired by the covers of 1950s paperbacks. Think women with guns and cigarettes.... Join us for the opening reception! Sip some wine, listen to classic Blues, and soak in the art!

Opening Reception is Friday, April 20, 6 - 9 pm.

First Friday Reception is Friday, May 4, 6 - 9 pm.

Spark is at the corner of Santa Fe Drive and 9th Ave (by Core) in Denver.

For more info: www.peterillig.com

BIG THINGS are happening for the Denver Modernism Show!

Our show is getting more exciting by the day!

BIG ART NEWS..... This year, we're adding a special Gallery-style section to our show! Artists may submit work to the show and our special GUEST JUROR will make the final selections! We are thrilled to announce that Gwen Chanzit has agreed to be that Guest Juror. Gwen is currently Curator of the Denver Art Museum's Modern and Contemporary Art Section, and the Herbert Bayer Collection and Archive.

Additionally, we are selling more art-related booths at the show, including some of Denver's leading galleries and sources for contemporary and vintage modern art!

BIG VENDOR NEWS..... The room is filling up!!! We have vendors from several states now, and more are signing up all the time. Exhibitor spaces start at just $100, and a 10 x 10 booth is only $250! You can pay with PayPal! How easy is that! CHANGE IN WALL BOOTH PRICES: Effective MAY 1, Booths with walls will cost an added $100 (not $50). The good news - They now include THREE walls instead of one back wall. So you will have 3 solid walls (10 ft across back and 8-ft sides). If you want to get a wall booth at the old rate (added $50 per booth) you must reserve your space by May 1 with a signed contract. If pipe-and-drape is okay for you..... the rates have not changed.

Hit REPLY to this email to reserve your space and request a PDF contract before the old rate expires!

BIG SPONSOR NEWS.... We are proud to announce our newest national sponsor: Atomic Ranch! Atomic Ranch offers books and magazines espousing the wonders of vintage modern architecture! They will be offering specials on their popular Atomic Ranch coffee table book at the show. And they're also presenting a Slide Show of some dreamy vintage ranch homes!

BIG AWARD NEWS.... We got a BEST OF DENVER! We got a BEST OF DENVER! (For those of you not from here.... it's sort of a big deal! Our leading alternative paper gives these awards our annually.)

Best Arty Markets - Dana Cain

"Dana Cain is so hip it hurts. She has that knack for knowing which old stuff is especially new again, and has used it to build an empire of totally entertaining collectibles expos. First, she's the entrepreneurial brain behind the Collectors Supershow toy extravaganza, which recently joined forces with the Majesticon comics show to provide a double whammy of happy pop-culture hunting under one roof. Last summer she launched the enormously popular Denver Modernism Show, an unbelievable mid-century blowout that will quadruple in size when it returns this August at a larger venue. And her newest take on collectibles-hawking was the recent Vintage Voltage Expo, an electronics-centric show that included everything from vinyl records to guitar amps to old-school audio gear. There's a packrat in each and every one of us, so go, Dana, go!"

DENVER MODERNISM SHOW

Aug. 24-25-26, 2007

Denver Studio Complex

241 Cherokee St. at Alameda Ave.

sponsored by:

www.modlivin.com www.modernismmagazine.com www.milehimodern.com www.atomic-ranch.com

visit

www.denvermodernism.com

for loads more info!

Popular Culture finds new store location

1957 was a good year.... and now, it's a good ADDRESS too! Popular Culture, Denver's oldest surviving modernism store, will be opening its doors next month at its expanded new location - 1957 S. Broadway! Shopkeep Robert Delaney says the new space is "about the size of both (former) store fronts together!" The new digs should be open for business in early May! We can't wait to see it! Call 303-777-1163 for info!

Show Reports from Here and There:

Vintage Voltage Expo enjoys shockingly great debut!

WOW! -- THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the first Vintage Voltage Expo - the vintage electronics show that was held in Denver on March 25! The show was a HUGE SMASH HIT, and YES - we've already set our date for 2008! We had nearly 700 people at the show, and by the end of the day, it looked like a tornado had hit the vendors room and blown out all the stuff! There were some great pieces there for mid-century and deco-style homes!

The Colorado Radio Club says it was the club's BEST AND BIGGEST SHOW EVER - and they've been doing this forever! The display their members provided - of radio, TV and audio show pieces was truly breathtaking! So, Thank You CRC, Thank You Customers, and Thank You Vendors - For making the Vintage Voltage Expo a huge success!

Photos from the show are at www.DanaCain.com on the SHOW PHOTOS page! Mark your calendars for next year: Sunday, March 30, 2008!

TVs at Vintage Voltage Expo

Chicago Modernism Show sparkles with charisma

I flew out to Chicago and back last Saturday to spend a few hours at the Chicago Modernism Show! What a treat! Dolphin Fairs really knows how to run a great-looking show, and they run 3 of the country's Modernism Shows - in Chicago, Miami and Palm Springs. Denver's own Randy Roberts of Zeitgeist and Zmodern was there (as usual!) and the place was filled with treasures. This show had more jewelry than the others I'd seen, and there were vendors from both coasts and everywhere in between. I had lunch with a veteran shopper from the area, who explained that this show is "the adventurous one" and the nearby modernism show in Winnetka features more high end, traditional art deco. Both sound nice.... but I'll take "adventurous" over "traditional" every time....

Denverites - Chicago is only a 2-hour flight away! If you love modernism shows, you should check it out next time! www.dolphinfairs.com

Upcoming Modernism Shows around the country

April 27 - 29 -- Southfield, MI -- Michigan Modernism Exposition: http://search.antiqnet.com/M&M/

May 4 - 6 -- Los Angeles -- LA Modernism Show: www.lamodernism.com

- with Johnny Depp hosting Friday Night Preview Gala (!)

June 2 - 3 -- San Francisco -- Art Deco Show and Sale: www.artdecosale.com

Be our FRIEND on myspace!

Okay -- well, we admit it! We're nerds! I live on my damn computer! If you're like us, then 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

And don't forget the YAHOO! Group! Want to stay in touch and communicate with your fellow modern friends in Colorado? We've started a Yahoo email group for just such an occasion. Join today! You can put in your two cents, or just spend your days lurking and gathering valuable information..... It'll be fun. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/denvermodernism and sign up now!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2007 NEWS

2008-04-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Popular Culture: Big News, Big Move, Big Sale!

It's the end of an era, folks..... Popular Culture, the grandpappy of Denver's Modernism shops, is being forced to MOVE! The beloved establishment, long stationed at 1150 S. Broadway is in the way of the new Gates Development... so owner Robert Delaney is being forced to find a new location to sell his fabulous vintage modern wares. One Gate closes and another one opens... or something.

If you've been inside Popular Culture, you can imagine what a daunting task a move would be... and if you've been into the BASEMENT -- you're probably thinking it's Mission:Impossible and he should decide not to accept it and just let the tape self destruct in 5 seconds.

HOWEVER.... the GOOD NEWS is that Popular Culture WILL go on and Delaney is hoping to find another location on South Broadway. The OTHER good news is that almost everything in the store is on sale -- at 30 - 80% OFF! Even showcases are going!

"We were originally supposed to be out by February 1," says Delaney. But, because of the weather, that deadline has been extended and Popular Culture will be open for business and working on SELLING OUT as much inventory as possible THROUGH THE END OF FEBRUARY!

So, modernism mavens, don't delay -- Get over to 1150 S. Broadway while it's still there! Store hours are 12n - 5pm Wednesday - Saturday and Sunday by chance. Phone is (303) 777-1163.

Vintage Voltage Expo brings Retro Electronics to Denver March 25!

We know you love mid-century modern furniture! Well -- we're betting you also like mid-century modern electronics! If you love "Classic Gear for Audio, Radio, TV and Music," you need to head up to the Vintage Voltage Expo!

Dozens of vendors will be selling vintage electronics - old school audio gear - tube amps - antique radios - ham radios - transistors - speakers - turntables - vintage LPs - hi-fi - synthesizers - stereos - 8-tracks - electric guitars - amps - vintage TVs - video games - parts - and more! If you want to sell at this show - tables are just $25 or 5 for $100. You can also get a 10 x 10 booth for $95. Just hit REPLY to this email and inquire!

This is a NEW kind of show for Denver! It's hosted by Dana Cain and Peter Illig - the team who runs The Denver Modernism Show! For more info, go to www.DanaCain.com and click on the VINTAGE VOLTAGE EXPO page.

Vintage Voltage Expo

Sunday March 25

Ramada Plaza Convention Center

I-25 at 120th, Northglenn CO

10 am - 4 pm

DOZENS OF VENDORS, CONTESTS, DISPLAYS,

LECTURES, PANEL DISCUSSIONS & LOTS MORE FUN STUFF!!

Admission: $5. Kids under 12 Free.

Early birds ( 9-10am) $10.

www.DanaCain.com

Palm Springs Modernism Show: Report from Denver

What a BLAST! We just got back from a whirlwind ROAD TRIP to the Palm Springs Modernism Show! The show was GREAT -- The Exhibitors were all Top Notch, the Friday Party was festive and elegant, and the attendance was awesome the whole time we were there! Not to mention the weather..... After leaving Denver in a slippery, snowy rush hour on Thursday morning..... hitting the sun and sand was like driving into Heaven! 85 degrees... and PALM TREES!

COLORADO REPS: Randy Roberts and Winston from Zeitgeist were manning their big, great-looking booth, and selling stuff at a pretty fair clip! Mark and Beverly Anderson from Cheeky Peepers in Grand Junction were selling their great retro glasses frames -- stylishly outfitted and as friendly as ever. They were having a great show, too! And on Saturday, we ran into the King and Queen of Arapahoe Acres: Dave and Yvonne Steers! They were trying to figure out how to get all the cool stuff they bought back to Denver! (We helped 'em out....)

HIGHLIGHTS:

- "I've heard the Denver show is REALLY good!" a California dealer said to me on Saturday!

- Charles Phoenix, LA's greatest "histor-tainer", author and retro slide show comedian. Visit www.charlesphoenix.com - I mean DO IT, people. This guy's a frickin' genius!

- SHAG, one of our favorite mod artists, had a great show of original paintings in town - a RARE treat - at M Modern Gallery. www.mmoderngallery.com

- Meeting Rosemary Kreiger, the Modernism Show Goddess who runs the shows in Palm Springs, Miami and Chicago! What a great gal!

- The INCREDIBLE "Barbarella Dinette" (my term, not theirs...) with chrome and long white fur that sold for $7800! Wow.... was it COOL!

Final Report Card: A+ !!!

Denver Modernism Show Update: Contracts, Ads and More!

For everyone who's requested a contract for the Denver Modernism Show.... Okay. I've done it. We now have nice shiny contracts - available in PDF format.

We also have a MAP of the room - all 14,000 sq feet of it -- so you can pick your spot among the 95 available booths! Spaces in the front area are filling up fast! So, reserve your space soon! Exhibitor spaces start at just $100, and a 10 x 10 booth is only $250! You can pay with PayPal! How easy is that!

Hit REPLY to this email to reserve your space and request a PDF contract!

Also - Look for our 1/4 page color ad in the Spring and Summer issues of Modernism Magazine! They're a sponsor, and will hopefully be at the show this year! We also have a half-page ad in the Palm Springs Modernism Show Catalog!

DENVER MODERNISM SHOW

Aug. 24-25-26, 2007

Denver Studio Complex

241 Cherokee St. at Alameda Ave.

www.denvermodernism.com

for loads more info!

Upcoming Modernism Shows around the country

March 2 - 4 -- New York City -- The Modern Show: www.stellashows.com

April 13 - 15 -- Chicago -- Chicago Modernism Show & Sale: www.chicagomodernism.net

May 4 - 6 -- Los Angeles -- Los Angeles Modernism: www.lamodernism.com

Join the Denver Modernism Yahoo Group!

Want to stay in touch and communicate with your fellow modern friends in Colorado? We've started a Yahoo email group for just such an occasion. Join today! You can put in your two cents, or just spend your days lurking and gathering valuable information..... It'll be fun. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/denvermodernism and sign up now!

Denver Modernism News

MARCH/APRIL 2008 NEWS

DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 NEWS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007 NEWS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007 NEWS

JUNE/JULY 2007

APRIL/MAY 2007 NEWS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2007 NEWS

Vintage Voltage Expo Sunday March 25 Ramada Plaza Convention Center I-25 at 120th, Northglenn CO 10 am - 4 pm DOZENS OF VENDORS, CONTESTS, DISPLAYS, LECTURES, PANEL DISCUSSIONS & LOTS MORE FUN STUFF!! Admission: $5. Kids under 12 Free. Early birds ( 9-10am) $10. www.DanaCain.com

Vintage Voltage Expo

Sunday March 25

Ramada Plaza Convention Center

I-25 at 120th, Northglenn CO

10 am - 4 pm

DOZENS OF VENDORS, CONTESTS, DISPLAYS,

LECTURES, PANEL DISCUSSIONS & LOTS MORE FUN STUFF!!

Admission: $5. Kids under 12 Free.

Early birds ( 9-10am) $10.

www.DanaCain.com