Take a Tour of Denver with Artifact Uprising’s Katie Thurmes

By Caroline Hallemann
July 22, 2015
Courtesy of Artifact Uprising
As phones become cameras that can also make calls, fewer and fewer photographs are ever printed out. The images accumulate digitally, living instead on Instagram feeds, computer backgrounds, or simply in the cloud.

Artifact Uprising is hoping to change that virtual-hoarder mentality. With a focus on authentic storytelling and “inspired by the disappearing beauty of the tangible” as the team’s mantra, the Denver-based company (now a part of VSCO) offers custom, eco-conscious photo prints, cards, and albums, like the brand’s most recent launch, a Layflat Photo Book with ultra-thick pages designed to, well, lay flat, ensuring that panoramic spreads won’t crease. 

Here, co-founder Katie Thurmes shows T+L around the office, and offers up her top spots in the Colorado capital.
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View from the Office

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Unparalleled views are seen from the back porch at Galvanize, the co-working space Artifact Uprising calls home. It showcases the best of Denver—with parks, the South Platte River, and downtown’s skyline all in sight.”

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South Pearl St. Farmer’s Market

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“In the summertime and into fall, South Pearl street hosts a lively farmers market filled with everything from produce vendors and fresh baked goods to health and wellness tents. You’ll feel connected to the community here from the very first visit.”

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Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Every so often I find it necessary to disconnect from what I’m currently focusing on, and get lost in something completely new. The MCA showcases such a wide range of exhibitions; I love checking in to see what they’ve added since my last visit.”

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Mountain Biking in Front Range

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“One of the best ways to experience Colorado's mountains is by pedaling your way through its wild places. Mountain biking on the Front Range—just 20 minutes west of Denver—makes a weekend escape for even your mildest Monday. Get lost in some of my favorite as including Apex & Chimney, or for a weekend adventure away, head to Crested Butte or Moab.”

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Summer Nights in LoHi

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Denver is most definitely alive at night, but I love its moments of quiet. I feel that the people of our city value those moments of pause as much as the lively chaos it brings.”

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Quick Drive to the Mountains

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“One of the greatest things about living in Denver is its close proximity to so many other truly awe-inspiring destinations. Find yourself on a trail in Boulder in about 30 minutes or Golden in 20.”

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Exploring North Table Mountain

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Just west of Denver is the city of Golden, at the base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. The city’s known for its breathtaking trails, including one of my favorites—North Table Mountain. (Tip: Be sure to get there early to beat the crowds!)”

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Winter Session

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Winter Session’s outpost in the Five Points neighborhood is bringing old-world craftsmanship and leatherwork back to Denver. Entering the shop, you’ll be welcomed by the team behind this impressive array of bags, leather goods and accessories.”

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Union Station—Terminal Bar

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Wander around Denver’s Union Station—the 120-year-old train station just finished renovations last summer, and houses a number of unique restaurants and shops. One of my favorite spots is the Terminal Bar, located in what used to be the old ticketing office. Instead of buying a train ticket at the window, you can order a local beer or cocktail.”

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Jazz in the Park

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

Jazz in City Park is one of my favorite ways to wind down a weekend in good company. Every Sunday night in the summer, you can bring a blanket or chairs and post up on the great lawn—you look around and everyone’s really enjoying themselves.”

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Black Eye Coffee

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Up in the Highlands is Black Eye Coffee, one of the city’s best low-key cafes. Back in the 1900s it was a said to be a lively theatre, and has since been transformed into a local favorite for coffee, sandwiches and small provisions.”

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Artifact Uprising Office

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Where I spend most of my time during the workweek is in the AU office, so we all do our part to make it a really stimulating, energetic workspace. I love that so much of what we do is executed in-house, from photography to graphic design and web development. We just recently launched our Layflat Photo Album (pictured) that had been two years in the making, so we’ve been loading up on photos of it to share.”

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Our Mutual Friend

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“River North Art District, or “RiNo” is home to many of the city’s breweries. A number of them are within walking distance of each other, so taste-testing at a few different places in an evening makes for a great time. One of my favorite outdoor spots is the patio at Our Mutual Friend.”

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Cherry Creek Path

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Throughout Denver proper you’ll find a number of bike and running paths, great for an uninterrupted jog or ride when you’re looking to stay close by. I think the active nature of this city is one of its best, most inspiring qualities.”

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Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“If you ever come across a more crowded ice cream stand, I want to know where! Little Man Ice Cream has a line around the corner day in and day out. They use local ingredients and change up their flavors daily so you never have to order the same thing twice. It’s quite an experience.”

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Old Major

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Old Major is a sure bet for a great meal or happy hour in Denver. (Bonus: it’s walking distance/a quick bike ride from our office). They’ve got a really diverse wine list, a hefty whiskey selection and cure all of their meats in-house.”

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The Source

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“This former 1880s brick foundry building is now an impressive collective for food artisans, retailers, and restaurateurs. Two of my favorite vendors are Mondo Market, a thoughtfully curated spice and cheese shop, and Beet & Yarrow, with vibrant arrangements of local florals.”

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Denver Beer Co.

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Denver Beer Co. is known to pull a great crowd any day of the week. Best part? You can expect to share your picnic-style table with at least a few four-legged friends.”

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Cheesman Park

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Right in the heart of Denver is Cheesman Park, with its vast lawn serving as refuge from the city streets. The surrounding neighborhood has some of my favorite homes in the inner city.”

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The Populist

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

“Such a great sense of community comes from a meal at The Populist. I love snagging a seat at one of their communal tables for a night with friends in an intimate yet bustling setting. It’s definitely a crowd favorite among the AU team.”

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