“MegaFauna is a retail platform for artists who know how to create but maybe need a hand with the business side of things. Conscious consumers—or tourists looking to take home a bit of the square state—can sort through racks and tables of vintage tees, consignment pieces, Colorado caps, and hand-cut jewelry.” This is just a snippet of a recent article written by Daliah Singer, Assistant Editor at 5280: The Denver Magazine.

About a month ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with Daliah covering a variety of topics. Daliah was kind of enough to keep me on track, as I tend to wander during the more cerebral topics such as MegaFauna’s mission and philosophy. If you haven’t taken time to stop for boutique shopping, we are open daily with something for just about everyone. If you have stopped in, feel free to share. We can only continue grow the business for independent artists, artisans and the like, through your support.

 
Here’s a link to the piece for your reference: http://www.5280.com/blogs/2013/03/08/shopping-megafauna

Thanks to Daliah and 5280: The Denver Magazine for continuing to represent independent business.

Stop by the store daily 10-9pm -OR- visit us online 24/7 at www.megafaunastore.com

-jmc

Here’s what crackin in your MF neighborhood February 18 – February

Monday: Presidents’ Day – The only important thing to note about this day is the appropriate usage of the apostrophe.

——> Presidents’<——– see it there? right after the “s”.

Tuesday: Planning for two  events to be held this Summer on North Larimer. 1) NoDoCO Farmers Market 2) Urban Bazaar.

1) NoDoCO Farmers Market. We waited until the fad phase of farmers markets peaked and dropped. Then, we noticed that people still shop at grocery stores. Clearly the message isn’t getting across.  Grow local, buy/trade local. If you cut out the money supply the big companies stop being big and the people take back control of their health and wealth in one transaction. Personally I think it sounds like a good idea but people tell me that I’m crazy, unlikeable and full of big ideas that never work. So this would fall in line with all that, but what IF I’m right?

Details to follow, but we are close to announcing the urban bazaar title and sponsor list. It’s a big secret so be sure to tell everyone.

Wayback Wednesday: Celebrate throwback threads in style 15% OFF ALL VINTAGE

Cool stuff like this

and this and this and this

   
Thursday: Take the day off work and shop for no reason but for the sake of shopping and only at MegaFauna.

The kids call this “Swag”.

 

Friday: Join us at the Denver Art Museum for the Art of the Street event.

 
Saturday: Visit Artopia Denver and have fun.

MegaFauna is vending a booth with samples of our sweet local network of art, apparel and localocity… + free stickers

Sunday: It’s a MF BAG SALE – 40% off all bags in store!

“Bags on Bags on Bags on Bags. Discounted cheapy for yous”

This scrabble board was a lil collab between myself and Mr. Mike McGinley.

We thought it would be a fun way of letting you know some of ‘the what’ that we do at MegaFauna.

Newsflash! Boutique Jewelry is hitting stride in Colorado. And in true Colorado fashion designers are captivated by the conscientious craft of upcycling or resourcing to make what was old, new again. These items no longer fit the flea market or craft fair forms that your grandma used to make. Think instead of the designer trends hitting both coasts, BUT with more eco-conscious flare.  From used bike parts, hand-me-down clothes and scrap leather, to left over pieces in a indiscriminate range of textile facilities, the Rocky Mountain region is pulling ahead to display the best of the best in designer upcycled products. It seems only appropriate in this climate of change and in the spirit of paying forward to the local creative movement that MegaFauna introduce these shining stars in Colorado boutique jewelry & accessories.

Beatrice Holiday

HANDLEBAR BAGS / SEAT COVERS and RECYCLED INNERTUBE JEWELRY. Made with Vintage Fabrics, Bike Inner tubes & LOVE. Beatrice Holiday owner, Alisun Franson, is a landmark in accessory fashion in the Western United States. Alisun was one of the first in the country to effectively market recycled innertube jewelry and landing several times on the front page of Etsy with her designs. We are fortunate to work with Beatrice Holiday and continue to be enticed by her unique eye for using non-traditional materials.

 

Hunnyhead Jewelry

Inspired by celebrations, art supply stores, nature and weather, smiles, festivals, unexpected elements in fashion, bikinis, birthdays and presents,architecture and the female form. Jennylee Berns, owner at Hunnyhead Jewelry, has exploded onto the jewelry scene in Denver with one of kind stone and resourced bike components to make what was old, cool again.

Neal Lake Designs

Neal Lake specializes in manufacturing custom design laser products, one of which is Wood iPhone Skins. Neal also produces custom logo engraved skins and jewelry.

Plank Jewelry

Handmade Wooden Jewelry Made in Denver. Mike Larremore is a photographer slash awesome maker of sustainable hardwood & veneer one-of-a-kind jewelry.

 

This is a sampling of handmade, upcycled and resourced jewelry and accessories available at MegaFauna, 2701 Larimer and Retro Room 2034 Larimer. Also available at Trunk Shows hosted by area venues, so keep your eye out for updates!

Thank you for supporting the independent creative

 

They say that the purpose of art is to invoke an emotional response. If this is the case, it takes a special type of art to invoke a melee. This past July Mike McGinley approached me about hanging an impromptu show featuring his latest and greatest pop and flash art etched on glass. No promotion, no advanced notice. Within two days every piece was purchased. The mob reached such a frenzy at one point, I was up a ladder trying to hang a piece and customers were bidding and buying before the piece could get properly leveled. Such has been my experience with Mike McGinley and his art etched on window and glass panes.

December 7 at Meadowlark & MegaFauna, Mike McGinley aims to add to a new and fun-filled show presenting one-of-a-kind pop-art etched on glass with, “Keep it Glassy”.

Mike will be presenting all original interpretations of pop influenced imagery and his own creations of flash and street culture, just above the curb. Each piece will be displayed on resourced and upcycled window pane and modified doors with glass installations. Each sized properly to fit a large wall as a series OR individually for the downtown or loft crowd. There are some surprises in play for the show, including LED retro-fitted and back-lit pieces.

Boulder-based Evo Hemp of Hemp Health, Inc., will be in attendance passing health-filled hemp bar samples and cool schwag. DJ Viking Sound Machine will be in the house pushing beats and other audible treats. J Audrey Hair Studio will be offering discount cards for their in-house hair studio. As always the MF Cafe will be selling locally roasted Novo Coffee, Rocky Mountain Sodas, sandwiches by local deli’s and Mom’s famous baked treats.

Keep it Glassy 6 PM-10PM at MegaFauna and continue Keeping it Glassy until midnight in Meadowlark at 2701 Larimer in the North Larimer neighborhood of Greater Five Points.

 

Nearly 19 months have passed following the physical launch of MegaFauna at 2701 Larimer St in Denver Colorado. We have stumbled past obstacles, challenges and accolades pushing to solidify a foundation in the MegaFauna organization. This foundation will allow us to continue into the future as the premier platform for independent artists, from all walks. In an effort to step forward confidently into our second year of business we have pulled together a crack-pot team of marketing and public relations experts to officially announce the Grand Opening of MegaFauna to the world.

 

I would like to thank all the critics who provided the motivation when we needed and the naysayers who now aren’t around to say I told you so. Also, infinite thanks to family and friends whom have proved their metal and walked with MegaFauna every humbling step along this path. It is only through the constant support of our customers and the contributions of independent artists that we at MegaFauna continue to grow.

A portion of this concept was to continue the evolution of business and consumerism into a new ideal. Merchandising locally conceived and produced products without bending to the red tape and backwards values of big business. MegaFauna exists to bring the art of the people, to the people. This monstrous idea was to enable independent artists to create and brand themselves as a part of the whole of the Colorado art scene. The pooling of creativity and resources allows the artist(s) a platform to display, mentor and vend his/her art, apparel & merchandise.

     

 
MegaFauna exists today to serve the independent art community.

Please share this Press Release with Everyone You Know, by passing along this message you are helping independent business in this country grow.

 CLICK HERE>>>  PR_GrandOpening_11.28.12

(or Click Below)

MegaFauna Announces Grand Opening Of Denver Retail Store
MegaFauna, an artist collective featuring locally made print art, apparel and music, has announced the grand opening of its retail store and coffee shop located at 2701 Larimer Street
in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) November 28, 2012 — MegaFauna, an artist collective featuring locally made print art, apparel and music, has announced the grand opening of its retail store and coffee shop located at 2701 Larimer Street in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Named after a zoological term describing large, mostly extinct species, MegaFauna is the vision of local artist and designer John McCaskill, who conceived the idea while looking for retail outlets for his own T-shirt and apparel designs.

“As co-owner of a screen printing business in Denver for many years, I had a difficult time getting our designs
into retail stores due to the stock levels and insurance requirements for many chains and big-box stores,” said
McCaskill. “I realized there was a need for a store that supports local artists by featuring their work, and also
lowering the barriers to entry they encounter when trying to market their designs.”

MegaFauna currently works with nearly 50 independent local artists, including jewelry and apparel designers, print and graphic artists, photographers and musicians. The store also supports Denver-based programs like Feed Denver and Youth On Record, and promotes the work of local artists with exhibits, events, and sales.

For McCaskill, MegaFauna is not only a retail platform for local artists, but also a great shopping experience
for the conscious consumer. “Many megafauna species did not survive. I worry that if we don’t support our
local artists, they too won’t survive,” said McCaskill. “MegaFauna acts as a vehicle for conscious consumer
behavior by providing high-quality, locally made art and upcycled/recycled goods, and is broad enough to
include local food suppliers and socially conscious programs.”

In line with his vision, McCaskill has partnered with local coffee suppliers, roasters, delicatessens, and pre-packaged foods companies to offer a coffee shop and café with light, eco-friendly food options. The café plans to open a walk-up pedestrian window for the area’s burgeoning late night traffic. A former nationally ranked collegiate hurdler, McCaskill earned a business degree from Mississippi State University and his business acumen from years as a manager for restaurants and high-tech companies.

McCaskill says he plans to take his MegaFauna concept to other cities in the future. “We intend to carry our
brand forward as a conscious consumer-type store so that wherever we open a new retail outlet, we will feature
artists and goods local to that area,” he said.

MegaFauna is located at 2701 Larimer Street in the heart of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. The retail store and coffee shop is open seven days a week, from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. The café’s pedestrian window will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 2:00 A.M. For more information, visit their website at www.megafaunastore.com,

or follow MegaFauna on Facebook (@megafaunastore), or Twitter (@megafaunaCO), or Instagram (@megafaunadenver).

If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer
appears here – PRWeb ebooks – Another online visibility tool from PRWeb
Contact Information
Ali Randall
Daisy Public Relations
303.718.3373

“Stuff This in your stocking with cheer“, and other cheap shopping season taglines you’ll no doubt hear.

We’ve done it again and pooled the best of the best, Made in Colorado Art – Apparel and Local gear.

And as it happens each and every year, our annual release..oh behave, the MF Gift Guide 2012 is finally here!

Somethings for Her, Somethings for Him, we’ve even thought of the perfect somethings for those undecided “Thems”!

Without further adieu and more hyperbolic marketing spin, we present you a guide for gifting where we all win.

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-or- cLICK here —-> MF GIFT GUIDE 2012

Special Thanks to:

Art, Apparel, Accessory contributors  – Grow Haus, Green Room, Evo Hemp, Hunnyhead Design, Tricks & Ginger, Beatrice Holiday, Seymon Gurule, Xences L Wing, Plank Jewelry, Neal Lake Design, Retired Generation, Burner Bill Vintage, Octopoda Design, Susan Mathews, Like Minded Productions, Wey Mnky Design, Robert Bell Fine Art, John Vogl, Bungaloo, Broox Pulford, John Houser, Josh Shively, Ruckus Apparel, Aksels, Conk Wear, Landlocked Clothing, Mile High Clothing, DeRailed Ink, Wear the Party, Dedicate Apparel, Guerilla Garden, Lisa Wear Clothing, Bike More, Shift’D Union, ACS Apparel, Afro Triangle Designs, Simple Leather Wallet Company, My Dad’s Cap Collection, Mission Wear, CassieMStevens.com, Jason Sornsuwan Photography

Layout / Design – Bryan Patton

Photography – John Mc

 

It’s time for the 2nd annual Denver Independent Boutiques Small Business Saturday Boutique Crawl!  In addition to extended hours, trunk shows, snacks, and some crafts, this year grab a “Passport to Local Holiday Shopping” for exclusive deals and a chance to win prizes! Your passport is valid from 11/24 through 12/8, so you can get all your shopping done! The participating boutiques and some of the activities are listed below:

Megafauna: trunk show, food, drinks and coffee, extended hours
megafaunastore.com

Kitty Mae Millinery
kittymaemillinery.net

Mona Lucero Design Boutique: refreshments, Style Map Guide, $25 gift card giveaway
monalucero.com

Thread: treats, drinks, upcycled sweater craft, 10% off with passport
threadcommunity.com

November 2012 will forever remind me of the month the store, finally, received it’s restaurant retail license. In addition to the coffee and light food options being presented, November 2012 will also remind me of meeting the two very smart and very, genuinely motivated founders at Evo Hemp, Ari and Jourdan.These guys thought of everything, from a simple smart solution in a food snack, to a compostable wrapper  that thinks about it’s job of disappearing long after you’ve dropped it from your hemp seed satiated palms.

The introduction of the Evo Hemp bar marks the first conscious food decision at the MF Cafe, a shout out to my Boulder roots and the introduction of a future MEGA food brand to my little “up-and-coming” neighborhood in Greater Five Points. You may have not heard of Evo Hemp Bar, YET. Give it a month, this Boulder based fledgling company has recently inked deals with Pharmica and soon to adorn the aisles of Whole Foods. As Evo continues to grow, so too will the MegaFauna involvement in collaboration with Evo concepts and their firm commitment to think locally and act globally.

 

Evo hemp is a health food company that utilizes the incredible power of hemp seeds with their essential oils, protein, flavanols and minerals to give your healthy body what it needs.

- Evo Hemp’s Mission -

Supply the world with hemp seed rich foods that provide people all the essential nutrients needed to live a happy and healthy life. Protect the rights of the planet and it’s inhabitants.

unwrap the power of hemp seeds DAILY 10AM-late

@ 2701 Larimer St. Denver. Order bulk by emailing [email protected]

Evo Hemp bar packs as much into it as you do into your day.
Pure fruits, nuts and seeds sustain your energy and satisfy
your taste buds on the go. The essential oils, protein,
flavanols and minerals gives your healthy body what it needs,
all backed by the incredible power of hemp seeds.

It’s superfood, evovled!

 

Tricks and Ginger is a local Denver handcrafted jewelry and accessory partnership founded in the summer of 2011. They specialize in one of a kind leather and lace pieces that straddle both bold and delicate, capturing the duality often found within the individual and our worldly surroundings.

The T&G line includes bracelets (his/hers), rings, necklaces, and re-usable coffee holders. All of their items are crafted from scrap material purchased from local suppliers, and are totally one of a kind. From purchasing, to manufacturing, to packaging they do everything they can to make conscious decisions and conduct their business in a environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Tricks and Ginger have been selling at MegaFauna since February 2012. The most recent release of product includes His and Hers leather bracelets and cuffs. See below.

           

     

The T& G Line was also a feature accessory for the Fall 2012 MF LookBook and a favorite of renowned model and MegaFauna stylist, Cassie Stevens.

Tricks and Ginger will be featured in the MF Holiday Guide 2012. To see these styles and other custom pieces please visit the MegaFauna Showroom at 2701 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205