Denver Modernism Show – Worth a Cross-Country Trip

What’s the best thing about August in Colorado? If you’re passionate about design, without a doubt, it’s the Denver Modernism Show. This is the first time I have attended the show, now in its fifth year, and set up a booth to promote Modernism magazine. To put it simply, the show was just plain fun, with something for everyone. Forget New York and LA prices (and New York and LA attitude). This was a show where you could walk out with a cool, colorful Pyrex bowl from the ‘60s for $15 or empty your wallet on the finest vintage furniture and objets d’art. And, unlike the typical modernism show, this show welcomes contemporary artists.

My booth was in a prime location, right next to the main stage. Friday night kicked off with umbrella drinks flowing from the Tiki lounge and the Miss Modernism Pageant, hosted by Charles Phoenix. It was standing room only for the pageant, as a handful of retro-loving ladies donned vintage costumes and performed in a fashion and talent competition.

Saturday afternoon included a vintage electronics show; Sunday boasted a classic car show. Other weekend highlights included Hula girls performing in the Tiki bar, Tiki trivia with prizes, a demo by LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), a Mad Men makeover booth, and a Beatles tribute band. There were vintage airstream trailers, vintage bicycles, and Sara Lee cakes a-baking.

I took home two items, both for under $30, easily packed into my suitcase. One was a no-name plastic platter, with a bold flower design, and the other was a set of kitchen serving spoons by Danish designer Heiner Boberg, in bright orange.

On a personal note, I got to spend a day with my older sister and her husband, who took me to Estes Park for a visit to the famed Stanley Hotel. Built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley (of “Stanley Steamer” fame) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is the hotel that inspired novelist Stephen King to the write The Shining, one of my all-time favorite movies.

And shine the weekend did. (I even spotted E.T. at the show.) Stay tuned to our Events blog for next year’s dates. We’ll list them as soon as they’re announced.

-Jennifer, Co-Publisher

Modernism's booth.

Miss Modernism Pageant

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Classic cars rolled in on Sunday.

Airstreams ... you gotta love 'em!

One of my purchases.

I bought these from Atomic Blond's booth.

Visiting the Stanley Hotel with my sister.

Even E.T. dropped by the show.