“As I met each week with the Haley Custom Home Team, I always walk away confident that not only am I getting a very high quality home, but one that every detail is discussed and analyzed, as if it was a home that they were building for themselves. As I reviewed other builders’ commitments, one attraction to Haley was their trademarked “Accelerated Precision Build” system (APB). We were in the house a month early.
This is my third time building a custome home and I have never been more satisfied.”
Michael and Jane McDonald
If You Give a Kelsey a Coffee
Oh my, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and not needing to run out of town to beat the heat. But we also still have a little bit of that summer mindset of wanting to see new things, try new things, explore new things. How fortunate are we that our city continues to provide fresh ideas for our exploration right in the neighborhoods all around us.
This issue all wrapped up sounds like a great endof-summer day in my book, starting with an Aussieinspired brunch at Two Hands, soaking in the incredible design and even better coffee. That amazing design then gets me in the mood for a little shopping, and I get a bit carried away imagining a whole new wardrobe with Ida + Moon. I take that upcycling imagination over to ReCreative Denver to see what creation I can come up with and get lost in for the afternoon. To wrap up this day, I take my new creation and make my way out to Red Rocks to see Andy Frasco & The U.N. playing with Greensky Bluegrass to dance the night away. And that, my friends, sounds like a pretty good September day.
Architecture Design, Zac Chambers, John Demitro, Roxanna Carrasco, Alex Medvick, Teri Fotheringham
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
1-6: More than 150,000 people filled the streets of Cherry Creek North this July 5 to 7 for the 31st annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival to peruse and purchase from 250 juried artists while enjoying live music and delicious eats and drinks. Photography by Carol Havrda
business monthly
Color of Fashion is Back!
Season IV of Color of Fashion boasts an extravagant 4-day event from September 26-29 in Denver. Secure your tickets now for exclusive experiences:
Day One "A Night in Luxury," an intimate dinner with renowned designers and industry leaders
Day Two "OULA," a showcase of exquisite African textiles
Day Three "Luxury Never Goes Out of Fashion," an evening of high-end runway shows Day Four "Shop the Runway," where you can purchase pieces directly from the runway at the Four Seasons. @color.of.fashion or ColorOfFashionCo.com.
Meet DR. LAURA NOCE | Periodontist
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
As the youngest of five siblings with parents who emigrated from Italy to Canada, Italian food, traditions, and culture have always been a central part of my life.
My husband and I are approaching our 25th wedding anniversary and have three amazing children, each of whom is charting their own exciting path. My daughter Nadia, a recently graduated neuroscientist, is now working and living in Austin. My son Sam is a senior at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is eagerly anticipating a semester abroad in Rome this fall. Our youngest son Lucas is excited to begin his Engineering studies at CU Boulder this August.
Our family is rounded out by Pippin, our friendly Siamese cat who has a dog-like personality and brings a lot of joy to our home.
WHAT IS SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Most people might not know that I’m trilingual, fluently speaking English, French, and Italian. Additionally, I initially pursued a degree in Engineering before switching to Dentistry, which has given me a unique perspective in my field.
HOW DID YOU LAND IN COLORADO?
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and relocated to Colorado in 2016. I was drawn to the state by the opportunity for a more outdoor-oriented lifestyle and to escape the harsh Canadian winters. Since moving here, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, the mountains, and the chance to build new friendships.
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS?
Fitness has always been a key aspect of my life. I make it a priority to hike several times a week, exploring everything from local trails to challenging 14ers. I’m also dedicated to CrossFit and enjoy cycling and skate skiing.
DMD, MSC
In addition to my physical pursuits, I’m an enthusiastic reader and participate in two book clubs. Cooking, a love fostered by my mother, is another hobby I relish, and I also find joy in gardening—whether growing flowers or tending to a small vegetable garden I’ve started this year.
Travel is another major interest—I’ve had the privilege of exploring over 40 countries, which has been a profoundly enriching experience. I eagerly anticipate discovering more destinations and meeting new people, and I look forward to seeing where future travels will take me.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE:
I have been practicing as a periodontist since 1998, totaling 26 years of experience in the field. Implant dentistry and the use of laser technology in periodontics have been areas of significant focus in my practice.
In addition to a busy clinical practice, my career has also included significant roles in academia, where I’ve taught at both McGill University and the University of Montreal. I am frequently invited to lecture at conferences on implant dentistry and periodontics, reflecting my commitment to advancing the field.
Colleagues often describe me as highly detail-oriented and a perfectionist in my work. Patients frequently commend my thorough explanations, calming demeanor, and gentle approach, which they find very reassuring.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT WORK DAY:
I truly enjoy connecting with my patients and forming meaningful relationships with them. I’m dedicated to offering the highest-quality care using the latest advancements in a modern and inviting setting. Helping people regain their confidence to smile and the ability to eat comfortably brings me a lot of satisfaction. What I find most rewarding is seeing the real difference my work makes in their lives.
Frasca Hospitality Group Opens Osteria Alberico
Bobby Stuckey and the Michelin-starred Frasca Hospitality Group proudly introduce Osteria Alberico (3455 S. University Blvd at Hampden Ave) in Englewood’s Kent Place. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s neighborhood osterias and the award-winning hospitality that is a hallmark of the group, the family-friendly Osteria Alberico offers a broader expression of Italian dishes from chef Russell Stippich, including pastas, larger proteins, and pizza, with an all-Italian wine list, outdoor seating, lunch, a robust happy hour, and take-away.
OsteriaAlberico.com On Instagram at @osteria.alberico
excellent eye care every time
Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time. For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404
1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120
ColoradoEyeConsultants.com
Photography by Casey Wilson
Vail Valley's Underground Sound
The “Love for the Locals” series continues this fall as the Vilar Performing Arts Center brings its Underground Sound series to the stage for a fourteenth season. This programming powerhouse reveals profound “under the radar” songwriters and musical groups bound for the world’s greatest stages. You’ll be able to say, “I knew them way back when,” as these performers continue their upward trajectory.
“Every artist on the Underground Sound series is handpicked, with quality being the number one factor,” promises VPAC Artistic Director Owen Hutchinson. The
goal of the series, in part, is to introduce our community to amazing emerging artists across a wide variety of musical styles,” Owen notes.
Located in the heart of Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort, the Vilar Performing Arts Center is a 535-seat theatre operated by the Vail Valley Foundation. It presents a variety of year-round performances, including Broadway musicals, concerts, family entertainment, comedy, dance, classical music, and more.
As always, this year’s lineup features a diverse offering of exciting global artists, including:
WED. SEPT. 18 | La Santa Cecilia
La Santa Cecilia, Grammy Award Winners for Best Latin Rock Album, exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock, and world music, bringing a unique sound to loyal fans and new listeners alike. The group is inspired by Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, and klezmer music. Named after the patron saint of music, La Santa Cecilia is composed of accordionist and requinto player Jose ‘Pepe’ Carlos, bassist Alex Bendaña, percussionist Miguel ‘Oso’ Ramirez, and vocalist ‘La Marisoul.’ The band has become the voice of a new bicultural generation in the United States, fully immersed in modern music but always close to their Latin American influences and Mexican heritage.
This show is for you if you also love: Todo Mundo, Las Cafeteras, Flor de Toloache, Pedro Fernández, Vicente Fernández
FRI. SEPT. 27 | Amy Helm
Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Amy Helm was born into roots-music royalty, the daughter of the late Levon Helm of The Band, and the singer/songwriter/actress Libby Titus. She is carrying on that inimitable blend of Americana, gospel, and soul in her own musical career. Her deeply expressive voice is matched by her uncanny songwriting skills, creating a sound that’s not to be missed.
This show is for you if you also love: Levon Helm, Libby Titus, Larry Campbell, Elizabeth Mitchell, Dar Williams, Judy Collins, The Wailin’ Jennys, Patty Griffin
THURS. OCT. 10 | The Last Revel
The Last Revel is a four-piece folk group from Minneapolis. Utilizing their multi-instrumental abilities, members Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, Vincenzio Donatelle, and Lauren Anderson bring to life a full spectrum of modern Americana with lush arrangements of four-part vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, upright bass, fiddle, and five-string banjo. Drawing influence from their Midwest ethos, the band’s songs blend folk, old-time string band, and indie rock to create a sound that echoes the current heartbeat of America. Their latest release, their fifth studio album, “Dovetail,” highlights each member’s strengths as songwriters and collaborators and further solidifies their musical foundation.
This show is for you if you also love: The Lil Smokies, Mighty Poplar, Dustbowl Revival, Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek, Watchhouse, Billy Strings, The Avett Brothers
THURS. OCT. 24 | Paul McDonald;
The Mourning Doves
Paul McDonald’s voice is immediately recognizable and impossible to ignore. Often compared to legends like Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan, McDonald’s poetic, story-driven narratives and deeply catchy hooks are reminiscent of another era that demands to be heard now. He pulls off the rare feat of being a poet, visual artist, songwriter, adamant performer, and powerful vocalist. The group aims to spread peace, love, connection, and community through their music. McDonald is currently writing for his next album and planning to tour extensively in 2024.
This show is for you if you also love: Mat Kearney, The Lumineers, Jon McLaughlin, John Mayer, David Gray
WED. OCT. 30 | American Authors
New York-based indie pop-rock band American Authors is acclaimed for its classic up-tempo tunes and wildly positive messages. The trio comes to town in support of their forthcoming fifth studio album, “Call Your Mother” (out October 2024). Since releasing the debut album “Oh, What a Life” in 2014, American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. They’ve watched their music climb to the top of the charts and had singles go multi-platinum. They’ve played awards shows, hit the stages of legendary venues worldwide, and toured the globe with performers like Andy Grammer, O.A.R, OneRepublic, The Revivalists, and The Fray. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life”; has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Originally formed in 2006 at Berklee College of Music in Boston, American Authors—Zac Barnett (vocals/guitar), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums)—moved to Brooklyn to continue refining their airtight songcraft. Barnett believes the best day of their lives is yet to come. “We just want to keep going,” he says. “We can’t wait to continue this adventure!”
This show is for you if you also love: Fitz and the Tantrums, X Ambassadors, Imagine Dragons, Young the Giant, Moon Taxi
THURS. NOV. 14 | Billy Allen + The Pollies
There is a ferocious Southern engine inside of Billy Allen + The Pollies’ debut album, Black Noise. It thrums to life atop a classic rock chassis and expertly weaves in and out of gospel, grunge, funk, and soul along its eleven-song journey. From the explosive top of the album (a liberating anthem of self-worth called “All of Me”) to the spiritually haunting final track (the Wurlitzer-fueled “Go on Without Them”), “Black Noise” is a genre-defiant haymaker that lands. The band is a hybrid of four-piece rock outfit The Pollies and fellow Alabamian and frontman Billy Allen; when the Pollies and Allen originally met, an immediate musical connection was formed, giving way to a gritty, trailblazing sound. They are a band full of smiling time travelers, able to visit and draw from a multitude of eras and styles. This is the type of band you root for because you can’t help it. They’re that good.
This show is for you if you also love: The Heavy Heavy, Marcus King, Black Pumas, The Revivalists, Caamp, The Head and the Heart Visit VilarPAC.org for more.
Denver Metro’s newest fully custom home community located between Boulder & Golden. For a limited time, future residents can select their perfect lot to be included in the next phase.
Lot 4
Lot 18
Aussie
Style
ARTICLE BY ALLYSON REEDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZAC CHAMBERS
Two Hands Brings Down Under’s Fresh, Global Flavors Up to Altitude
Even in Denver’s jamming restaurant scene, Australian isn’t a genre you see every day. Heck, many of us haven’t given a thought to Aussie cuisine, so yeah, I was curious about Two Hands, the new Tennyson Street spot billed as a community-focused Australian restaurant.
It turns out that what Australian food is is local, sustainable, fresh, and, like the young country itself, welcoming of multicultural influences from all over the globe. At Two Hands this means crispy sesame-crusted chicken schnitzel over herbed yogurt and from-the-garden snap pea salad. It’s a warm roasted mushroom bowl tossed with kimchi, quinoa, puffed rice, and sesame chili crunch. And maybe most delicious of all, it’s a creamy ball of burrata surrounded by Bengali mustard relish and topped with toasted nuts.
The menu changes seasonally, but a common thread is that everything is just a little more daring than you probably expect. It’s a roast chicken prepared West African style and served atop wild rice kicked up a notch with coconut milk. And while they pour the now-ubiquitous espresso martini, theirs is—are you sitting down?—a banana bread espresso martini mixed with oat milk, espresso, and crème de banana.
Two Hands is also an all-day affair with a daily brunch. You can pop in for an AM smashed avocado toast, strawberry and key lime pavlova or the unique-to-Denver brekky muffuletta on house-made focaccia. There’s a full coffee bar, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, and daily specials like Wednesday’s half-priced wine bottles make it that much easier to rationalize another stop-in.
You definitely get that characteristically Aussie freewheeling, friendly vibe here, both in the menu and the hospitality. Even though it had just opened in July, on a recent Tuesday night, the place was packed with people draped over the corner bar and banquettes as though they’d been meeting there for years.
It very much fits into the neighborhood, perched on the corner of Tennyson overlooking César Chávez Park out its massive windows, and that’s, well, kind of the point. Two Hands began in New York
“You definitely get that characteristically Aussie freewheeling, friendly vibe here, both in the menu and the hospitality.”
City but now also operates across Texas and Tennessee, and they specifically look for strong, community-focused neighborhoods where people might dig their healthy, sustainable approach to food.
“Since we opened our first location ten years ago in New York City, Denver has always stood out as a city that could be a good fit for the brand because of its focus on active lifestyle, healthy eating, and strong communities,” says Henry Roberts, founder and CEO of the restaurant. “The first time I walked down Tennyson Street, I knew it was going to be a perfect place for Two Hands. There was such a warm, inviting vibe that really resonated with me.”
And Two Hands is obviously resonating with the neighborhood right back. Turns out a little Aussie style was just what we needed.
To kick o MOM24, we’ve teamed up with UTSoA professors Kory Bieg, Daniel Koehler, and Clay Odom for Architecture After AI—an exhibition showcasing how artificial intelligence could transform architectural design and innovation.
Cocktails & Conversations:
Re-Imagining Sustainable Design
Shake, stir, and sip your way as we re-imagine sustainable interior design! Explore eco-friendly practices and stylish materials that cut CO2 emissions. Enjoy cocktail mixology with POOLBOY, learn three seasonal drinks (with non-alcoholic options), and join a lively debate on design issues.
Art Studio Tour
MOM's self-guided tour features contemporary artists in their studios, o ering a unique chance to meet them, observe their creative processes, and purchase original artworks. Explore local talent and see how masterpieces come to life!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Movie Night: The Infinite Happiness
Screening & Discussion
“It’s showtime!” Don’t miss The Infinite Happiness—a unique film from Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine’s Living Architectures series. Experience Copenhagen’s “8 House” through residents’ stories, followed by a discussion with Robert Bean and Lila Morency of IMPACT.
Cocktails & Conversations: Architecture After AI
Join MOM and UTSoA professors on September 19 to explore how AI is revolutionizing design. Enjoy cocktail mixology with POOLBOY (including non-alcoholic options), and engage in a discussion with Adam Wagoner from Podcast Architect-ing.
2024 Wrap Party
Join us for the year's best party with cocktails, food, music, and design! Enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails, a curated menu, DJ Eric Figueroa’s unique mixes, live performances, and surprise pop-ups. Cocktail attire encouraged.
THE STORY
IDA+MOON
ARTICLE BY KAILEY BEUERLEIN
Where Boho Flair Meets Western Wonder
Photo by ROXANNA CARRASCO
In a world where fashion and trends often seem fleeting, Ida+Moon emerges as a sanctuary of elegance, fusing 70s California bohemian charm with rugged Western cowgirl aesthetics. At the heart of this unique brand lies a deeply personal story—a journey that began in sunny California and evolved through trials and triumphs to create a brand that is both a reflection of its creator and a beacon of sustainable, inclusive fashion.
The inspiration behind Ida+Moon is rooted in nostalgia and personal history. Founder Hannah Thurston, who grew up between the rustic beauty of Colorado and the vibrant landscapes of California, was shaped by these contrasting yet harmonious environments. Childhood memories of sprawling ranches and the warmth of homemade prairie dresses created a tapestry of influences. These experiences were further enriched by a love for vintage fashion and music from the 60s and 70s, where bell sleeves, flares, and the free-spirited essence of rock 'n' roll intertwined with the romanticism of period films like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women.
In this blend of influences, Ida+Moon was born—a tribute to the effortlessness of the 70s and the enduring ruggedness of the Western frontier. Hannah’s connection to this era is not merely aesthetic but deeply personal.
The creation of Ida+Moon has also been profoundly impacted by Hannah’s journey with an autoimmune disease. This personal struggle became a transformative experience, guiding a shift from the hustle of conventional work to a more intuitive
Photo by JOHN DEMITRO
“It allowed me to slow down, to live and work with intention.”
approach to life and design. “It was a blessing in my life,” Hannah reflects. “It allowed me to slow down, to live and work with intention.” This new approach is woven into every piece of Ida+Moon's collection, which is designed not just as clothing but as a source of comfort and healing.
One of the brand's core philosophies is its commitment to "sizeless + seasonless" clothing. Hannah’s prior experience with vintage clothing underscored the limitations of traditional sizing, which is often exclusionary. In response, Ida+Moon offers size-inclusive options and customizable fits, ensuring that every piece can accommodate a diverse range of body types.
The design process at Ida+Moon is a dance between vision and material. Hannah’s approach to creation is about following a deep, personal sense of inspiration. This method allows for the development of pieces that are both unique and deeply meaningful, often incorporating elements that reflect personal and spiritual needs. Botanical dyeing, for instance, is used not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its connection to natural healing properties.
Materials also play a crucial role in Ida+Moon's philosophy. For their tactile and grounding qualities, Ida+Moon favors natural fibers such as soft leather, sheepskin, and woven linens. These materials are often salvaged or thrifted, celebrating their imperfections. This commitment to sustainability is evident in Ida+Moon’s practices, including small-batch production and made-to-order pieces, which minimize waste and ensure that each item is crafted with care and intention.
Above all, Ida+Moon aims to elevate the everyday ritual of dressing, offering pieces that empower, comfort and ground their wearers. Hannah’s hope for those who wear her pieces? “May they romanticize the daily ritual of getting dressed and feel empowered, comforted, grounded, and loved,” she muses. “May they uplift those who adorn and those that surround them.”
Looking ahead, the future of Ida+Moon is bright with potential. The upcoming fall and winter collections will see the introduction of bespoke outerwear, including custom-made Penny Lane jackets and capes—did anyone else think of Almost Famous? Additionally, the brand plans to expand into home décor, further extending its reach into the realms of personal and environmental harmony.
Ida+Moon is more than a fashion brand; it is a manifestation of Hannah’s journey—a blend of past and present, personal and professional, designed to inspire and nurture those who embrace it. As the brand continues to evolve, Hannah evolves with it; but like its founder, the brand remains a testament to the power of authenticity, sustainability, and timeless beauty.
To learn more and shop, visit IdaAndMoon.com
The Best of All Worlds
A Rare Gem of a Listing in the Coveted Cedar Lane at Cherry Creek Neighborhood Proves It's Still Possible to Have It All—but Not for Long
ARTICLE BY KATHERINE OWEN | RENDERINGS
BY PAPPAS ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
“IT’S COMFORTABLE, LIVABLE, AND
MODERN,
WITH FLOOR-
TO-CEILING NATURAL LIGHT AND GREENERY FROM THE FRONT
TO THE BACK OF THE HOME, PLUS LUXE DETAILS THROUGHOUT.”
Community but seclusion. A walkable location but off the beaten path. City living set against a backdrop of greenery…
The last developable lot in Cedar Lane at Cherry Creek, site number 12, boasts a rare combination of features that few listings can claim these days, particularly in Denver’s hot neighborhoods.
Fully ensconced behind a 12-foot gate, the community is home to 21 luxury lots and is within walking distance (via a pedestrian bridge) to downtown Cherry Creek. Yet even within such an esteemed community, site number 12’s location sets it apart.
“It backs up to complete greenery, right behind the house for complete privacy with direct views of downtown Cherry Creek on the best lot in the subdivision,” developer Mike Mathieson explains.
To suit such a site, Mike has a plan to fuse luxury with comfort in a one-of-a-kind
contemporary design. Calling for five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, plus a gym and an office, the proposed plan clocks in at 8,650 finished square feet.
“It’s comfortable, livable, and modern, with floor-to-ceiling natural light and greenery from the front to the back of the home, plus luxe details throughout,” Mike adds.
HIGHLIGHTS
From the entry, large-plank white oak floors lead past an art wall and wine rack to a spacious, oversized kitchen complete with a butler’s pantry. An oversized island and 12-by-24-foot telescoping sliding pocket doors that open to the patio (and feature a 12-by-24-foot wall of glass above) make entertaining a breeze.
Between the kitchen and living space, an eight-foot folding, counter-height glass door opens out to the backyard, where the plans
accommodate an optional pool and outdoor entertaining space. Two oversized garages offer spacious parking for four vehicles.
Upstairs, the primary suite boasts a private, oversized balcony, his and hers closets, and a spa-like bathroom, which take up roughly 50 percent of the home’s top level. Downstairs, a gym, media area, and entertaining space offer the opportunity to customize one’s lifestyle.
STRIKING SCALE
With 12-foot ceilings through most of the house and 26-foot ceilings in the dining room and entry, the design is open and airy, with a distinguished ambiance. “I think what's so unique about it is the scale of the home,” adds Deviree Vallejo, real estate advisor with The Elevated Living Group at Liv Sotheby’s. “Typically, when you walk into a home in the city of Denver, you're
limited—because the lot sizes are a little bit smaller—as to how much drama in scale you can have. But when you walk into this house, the windows are so high because they run floor to ceiling. It creates a sense of awe that you just don't see in most homes in Denver. Especially not something so centrally located; it’s extremely unique.”
AGE IN PLACE
For every square foot of beauty, the design has brains to match. A smart design with function woven seamlessly
into pleasing form, the home boasts features like an elevator, which will serve all three floors and make agingin-place all the more accessible. The community is low-maintenance, and the driveway is heated, meaning outdoor chores are minimal.
The customizable home, currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in February of next year, is available for tours.
To learn more contact Deviree Vallejo at deviree@livsir. com or visit TheElevatedLivingGroup.com.
ONE MAN’S TRASH
USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF REUSE AND REINVENTION
The little buttons I’ve accumulated for years with every intention of “doing something with them” have finally found a place where they’ll be used to fulfill someone’s purpose. With them jingling in my pocket, I walked past a colorful twostory mural to enter the haven for creativity in my own backyard.
Having a community aimed towards similar creative goals is a fantastic way to shuck the shackles of uncompleted tasks and crafty projects. But where are you going to find a group of people fixing to tend to the specific task of mending that one pair of joggers you split down the middle and can probably no longer legally wear in public?
Enter the vibrant community of ReCreative Denver. As “a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creativity, community, and environmental stewardship through creative reuse & arts education,” ReCreative has formed a space in time where people of all walks can engage. The hands-on crafting of all types of media—sewing, pottery, painting, etc.—incorporates the value of upcycling to any project. “Well over 90% of our items
ARTICLE BY COLIN GBOLIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN WARREN
have been donated by individual people,” remarks Director of Operations Chris Scott as we tour the expansive two-story facility where professional artists and common folk alike coalesce to bring ideas from theory to the physical world.
The sheer breadth of available tools, fabrics, raw materials, and classes conjures a sense of potential, limited only by the users’ own wants, a welcome respite from the rigid necessities endemic to the responsibilities of adult life these days.
“That sense of, ‘I’ve never been in a store like this before,’” is a sentiment Chris lends me and is assuredly echoed with every corner turned and staircase ascended. The community of Recreative has become a testament to its namesake as the shop has evolved through many iterations alongside the shifting wants of the community around them. A once-art gallery now holds space for mixed media classes, rows of fabrics for sale by the yard, and items heavily discounted from your typical retail establishment.
Arguably, the greatest takeaway from my walk through this creator’s playground is the sense of community and purpose
“...a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creativity, community, and environmental stewardship through creative reuse & arts education.”
that has allowed the space to become what it is. Between Emily overseeing “practically everything,” Mathew managing the woodshop, Tobi, Sammy, and Carol giving design and legibility to the space, and Kelly (a friendly face behind the register during my visit) running programming, it was clear that the team here doesn’t operate in the cliche twenty-first century “family” workplace. No consolation pizza parties in place of fulfillment here. Rather, an environment that encourages people to lean into their interests, catalyzing natural growth, is the aura of this location. With endless objects—typewriters, paintbrushes, stained glass— the options for projects to embark on are plenty.
This stems from the donations of my generous and encumbered Denverites.
But there is a line. Sometimes, one person’s trash really is just that. So if you’re inspired to donate, bring in things within the guidelines stated on their website to contribute in a helpful way to the community! And for objects you might need for your own personal crafting projects, Chris affirms that you can find them here, albeit with some digging. I couldn’t agree more. That being said, if the thing you need is a place, like-minded people, and a whole ecosystem flowing towards you bringing a vision to life, look no further than the front doors.
To learn more, visit ReCreativeDenver.org
At Home
Finding Community in Colorado
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH ROWE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
with Andy Frasco
Andy Frasco has been playing 250 shows a year since he was 19. He started at Drive-Thru Records, an independent label known for its pop-punk sound when he was only 14. He’d manage and book bands— and they’d all inevitably break up.
After years of this cycle, he took his Bar Mitzvah money, bought a van, and started touring as an artist in his own right, cold-calling venues to book gigs and using Craigslist to find other musicians to join him on stage.
His band, Andy Frasco & The U.N., is now in its 15th year with ten records under their belt. Frasco refers to The U.N. part of the band as an open-door policy, comprised of whoever wants to jump on the road and make music together.
In speaking about his musical style, Frasco said he’s trying to bring optimism to depression. After suppressing feelings throughout his youth, he’s been able to use music to open up and show the
world that even people with huge smiles and lightup-the-room laughs get sad sometimes too.
His latest single, “What We Used To Be Is Not Who We Are,” is Frasco’s direct attempt to shine a light on this taboo topic, and he spoke openly about collecting wristbands to cover the scars. Festivals made him feel safe, and this single is as much an invitation to his fans to open up and ask for help as it is a request to let people grow beyond your first impression of them.
Frasco is certainly not the man he used to be, and he gives a lot of credit to the healing power of music, good talk therapy, and the psychedelic frontier we call Denver with helping him start to love himself.
“A lot of people aren’t fortunate enough to open their soul,” Frasco says. But that’s exactly what Frasco’s music and shows are all about.
During his concerts, Frasco breaks the fourth wall and gets everyone involved, whether that’s
“I built a home to show I could have something other than my work.”
bringing up fans to sing with him or doing the hora with 20,000 Germans in Nuremberg. He doesn’t want it to feel like just hearing the album live—he aims to create experiences at every show.
This is all part of his goal to stay more present. Creating a home for himself here in Denver has also been a crucial step in helping him live in the moment and enjoy life off the road.
“I built a home to show I could have something other than my work,” says Frasco.
He grew up in LA, and people always expect him to come back, but Denver has become Frasco’s home.
“I like this little life,” says Frasco while describing the neighbors who bring by cookies and ask about his latest tour. Here, he has hobbies, goes to trivia, and has discovered the joy of the PlayStation.
He thinks loneliness is the hardest drug, but he’s not alone anymore in Denver. Frasco used to travel and tour to find that sense of community, connecting with fans all over the world, and now he’s found that love and acceptance in Denver too.
When he bought his self-proclaimed bachelor pad, it wasn’t quite to his taste, but he’s definitely keeping the leopard carpet, an homage to the past. He loves old-school things and is striving to keep alive some of the beauty of what was, even as he builds something new.
This month, Andy is looking forward to hopefully discovering his long-lost Frascos in Italy. On September 14, he’ll be performing at Red Rocks with Greensky Bluegrass. He’s also working on his own record label, aimed at putting more of the money right in the artists’ pockets.
To learn more, visit AndyFrasco.com
Tribal Fez
WD Flooring // Sustainably Grown and Harvested.
Prefinished Engineered and Solid Hardwood
CARB 2 Compliant // Zero VOC finishes
100% Domestic // FSC certified
WD 2024 | NWFA Winner Floor of the Year
September 4-7
DENVER FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Get ready for a culinary celebration like no other at the Denver Food & Wine Festival! This multi-day event features an array of delicious food, exquisite wines, and unique spirits. Experience some of the best food in Colorado, participate in tasting seminars, and finish off your experience with the spectacular grand tasting. Get tickets at DenverFoodAndWine.com
September 4
MCGREGOR SQUARE HOSTING
BRASS & PERCUSSION CONCERT WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
Enjoy an evening of enchanting melodies as the Colorado Symphony performs at McGregor Square in the heart of Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district. Don’t miss this wonderful event in one of Denver’s best entertainment hotspots! Get tickets at Tickets. ColoradoSymphony.org
Around Town
September 20-29
September 8
LARIMER SQUARE BAZAAR
Discover the best of local craftsmanship at the Larimer Square Bazaar! With over 40 vendors, you’ll find a delightful mix of jewelry, clothing, home goods, art, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unique vintage finds. The Denver Bazaar is free to attend, is dog-friendly, and is perfect for all ages! LarimerSquare.com
DENVER OKTOBERFEST
Celebrate the beginning of fall at the Denver Oktoberfest! Enjoy an array of activities like keg bowling, live music, stein hoisting, and more over two weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, don your lederhosen and raise your stein for a fantastic celebration! TheDenverOktoberfest.com
September 21
HOP FESTIVAL
Come and enjoy samples from some of Colorado’s favorite breweries at the Hop Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms! Learn about hops and crops from local farmers, enjoy live musical performances from local artists, and grab a bite to eat at the food tents. Get tickets at BotanicGardens.org.
