It has been a while since my last newsletter, and a lot has happened since my previous publication. I hope this edition will bring you up to speed on the most recent projects I’ve completed.
Red Rocks Amphitheater Visitors Center Furniture Project
One of the largest projects I have taken on recently is designing custom furniture for the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater Visitors Center. Denver County extended an invitation to bid on designing and building furniture or art for the entryway, specifically seeking local craftsmen to contribute unique pieces.
Although my studio specializes in designing and fabricating custom, one-off pieces rather than mass-produced items, I decided to take on the challenge. In addition to submitting a design for an art bench, I also proposed fabricating the various table tops and bases for the space.
My initial concept featured a bench with a leg constructed from a stone sourced from the Red Rocks Park. This concept won the bid and received approval. However, as the project progressed, the architect’s design team made final adjustments to the floor plan, and the bench was deemed too large for the reconfigured entryway. Fortunately, they appreciated my design approach and allowed me to create a new piece to complement the space.
The final piece, as pictured above, is a walnut cabinet with copper-plated steel door panels. I pulled inspiration for the design from the copper art displayed in the adjacent Red Rocks Museum, ensuring cohesion with the surrounding aesthetics.
The custom tables had three specific size requirements that I had to adhere to. I also incorporated copper elements into the design, designing steel bases that were copper-plated and aged to match the existing artwork.
Building a restaurant full of tables was a monumental task for my small art studio, but I am incredibly pleased with the results. If you find yourself visiting Red Rocks for a concert or a hike, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center and enjoy lunch at one of the tables I built.
