Modern Family

While Eero Saarinen’s name is synonymous with modernism, his daughter, Susan Saarinen, who will be making an appearance this evening at Mod Livin’, is in a league of her own. For tonight’s conversation, “33 Slides in 33 Minutes — How did we get from there to here: The roots of...

By Bree Davies

May 2, 2013

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While Eero Saarinen’s name is synonymous with modernism, his daughter, Susan Saarinen, who will be making an appearance this evening at Mod Livin’, is in a league of her own. For tonight’s conversation, “33 Slides in 33 Minutes — How did we get from there to here: The roots of modernism in one family,” the Colorado-based artist and landscape architect will speak about her father’s deep visual impact on American architecture, as well her own body of work.

A regular customer of Mod Livin’, the reserved Saarinen inadvertently revealed her identity to shop co-owner Jill Warner one day when the artist signed a check. From that point forward, the two became friends — and eventually, the idea of Saarinen sharing her family’s legacy with a larger audience emerged. “We have three different types of customers: the collector, the person who only buys new modern, and then the younger crowd that’s just starting out — they’re usually the ones who buy sale pieces but get hooked,” says Warner. Since her client base is very interested in the origin of the store’s new and vintage items, Saarinen’s insight is valuable, she adds.

Susan Saarinen’s art show and a companion conversation will run from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Mod Livin’, 5327 East Colfax. The event is free, and prints of Saarinen’s work will be available for purchase in the store following the event. For more information, call 720-941-9292 or visit modlivin.com.
Fri., May 3, 6-8 p.m., 2013

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies