Nora Burnett Abrams' Favorite Things
Don't miss these must-haves
The Mark G. Falcone Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA) shares her favorite things.
1. MUSIC VENUE The new Mission Ballroom is sensational. The sound, the design, the scale (not too big, not too small), the open plaza at the entrance and the location in RiNo all make for a truly unique experience. It also doubles as an event space, and that flexibility is a great addition to the list of cool venues in the city. missionballroom.com
2. RETAIL STORE The creators of Free Market in the Dairy Block building in LoDo were really onto something when they founded this collective of curated products, services and experiences. I love sampling the goods available there from the many vendors and artisans. It’s easygoing and elevated at the same time. freemrkt.co
3. RESTAURANT My husband and I love walking to Uncle in West Wash Park and sitting by the giant windows. The food is spicy and adventurous, and the atmosphere so laid-back and welcoming. uncleramen.com
4. COLORADO CULTURAL ATTRACTION I am very proud of MCA Denver’s Octopus Initiative, which commissions Denver-based artists to produce work that we then lend out for 10 months to the public for free. In just 18 months, we’ve commissioned 16 artists to create 400 works that range from painting to photography to prints to collage. It’s always heartwarming to hear from borrowers about how much joy living with this work of art brings to them. octopus.mcadenver.org
5. SHOES Shoes are a big deal for me,as I am “vertically challenged,” so to speak. My most recent favorites are a version of these Clergerie brogues that make me feel like I’m 6 feet tall. Clergerie Bravo Oxford Platforms, $630; shopbop.com
6. FURNITURE LINE We have these plastic Kartell chairs in orange and pink that we found at Mod Livin’ on Colfax years ago. They’re the centerpiece of our dining room and are remarkably comfortable and seemingly indestructible (despite our kids’ frequent attempts). Kartell Frilly, $350 for two, in four colors; modlivin.com, 2modern.com
7. COLORADO ARCHITECT The firm of Semple Brown creates spaces that are warm, chic, industrial and full of light. They perfectly blend openness with a touch of wonder. I always enjoy visiting their buildings, both aesthetically and functionally, which is a hard note to hit. semplebrown.com
8. COLORADO ACTIVITY I vacillate on this one: On the one hand, there is nothing more magical than a summer hike in the mountains, enveloped by greenery and the majesty
of the natural environment; however, it’s also pretty great to spend a night sampling the creative alchemy of chefs and mixologists in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver (I especially like the Death & Co bar). I love that we live in a place where both types of activities so fully exist. rinoartdistrict.org
9. BAG/PURSE I move fluidly between work and home life, so I need a lightweight bag that can carry both a notebook and an EpiPen Jr for my son. This cross-body bag does the trick for me these days. Mine is in gray, and it goes with everything. Saint Laurent Toy Shopping Leather Tote, $995; nordstrom.com
