Local Creatives Shine at Design After Dark | CUT

Since its debut in 2005, Design After Dark has become one of Denver’s most diverse and dynamic celebrations of Colorado’s creative community. A uniquely fashionable event, organized by the Design Council of the Denver Art Museum, Design After Dark benefits the DAM’s department of architecture, design, and graphics and underscores our community’s creative talent. Leading design firms, emerging architects and artists, and a wide range of creative individuals and teams are invited to construct innovative one-of-a-kind objects to be auctioned off during the night. An array of themed-food and drink is served, while an unforgettable setting amuses those enjoying the art and the crowd.

Design After Dark takes place once again on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Bindery on Blake, with the theme of “CUT.” In anticipation of Design After Dark | CUT we caught up with event co-chair and designer Craig Rouse, owner of R Design.

Darrin Alfred: What is the inspiration behind this year’s Design After Dark?

Craig Rouse: Our planning committee choses a theme that has some connectivity with programming at the Denver Art Museum. With the current Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century exhibition, we wanted an interesting word that could be tied to the exhibition. CUT seemed an engaging and interesting jumping off point for our 15 participating artists and designers to play with.

DA: What can people expect to see in this year’s auction?

CR: We have a very exciting mix of 15 local creatives, such as Elish Warlop and Jaime Molina, who work in a multitude of styles and mediums. They have been hand-picked to create an art object for this year’s silent auction related to the theme. From carved marble to intricate wood pieces, sculpted paper and ceramics, there will be a wide variety of one-of-a-kind innovative objects for guests to discover and bid on. We are extremely excited with this year’s roster.

DA: How many years have you been involved in Design After Dark?

CR: I’ve been involved with Design After Dark since the very first one, in 2004. I’ve been on the planning committee for all 11 years, and, as a graphic designer, have designed each year’s brand or identity, the invitations and all promotional graphics. Design After Dark is something I truly enjoy doing every year. It’s a challenge each year to keep it fresh and exciting, but I think we’ve successfully done that.

DA: What are your hopes for Denver’s creative community in the future?

CR: I love the fact that Design After Dark brings together so many creatives from diverse disciplines; architecture, interior design, graphic design, art, education, industrial design, furniture design, and so many more. When you bring so many industries together under one roof for one night, it’s amazing what can transpire from even a simple conversation with the person standing next to you. I see more of this being a catalyst for more exciting things to happen in our design community.

To learn more about Design After Dark and to purchase ticket, please visit http://designafterdark.denverartmuseum.org/.