Archetype 3D

For over 3 decades, the folks over at Archetype 3D have been producing world class models to serve every market under the sun. From architectural and topography models to product models and tradeshow exhibits, engineering prototypes to academic and governmental research models, the Archetype 3D team does it all. Tour attendees will experience a true multi-disciplinary model shop, using all the classic hand skills through the latest technologies to make any design vision a physical reality.

Bureau of Reclamation Technical Service Center Hydraulic Investigations Lab

The US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services Group maintains a 54,000 square foot laboratory space, where engineers and model makers fabricate highly complex models, test equipment, and instrumentation. The working models simulate the hydraulic and mechanical features of water resource structures and systems. While many model makers might recognize much of the wood, plastic and metal working equipment used in this impressive facility, it's likely that the scale and function of these models will be remarkable. Prepare to see some novel uses of materials, and models being used in ways you've never considered!

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys

Opened in 1981 through grass-roots community efforts, the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys houses a collection of over 20,000 objects and stages four major exhibit changes each year. Their mission is to provide educational and cultural services to the greater Rocky Mountain region through the preservation, exhibition, collection and interpretation of the visual arts using miniatures, dolls, and toys. Of particular interest to our professional members will be the collection of fine scale miniatures, crafted in a variety of media. This collection includes work by International Guild of Miniature Artisans members. Normally not open during the week, the museum is making a special exception for our group, so not only will we have the museum to ourselves, but the curator will be able to devote their full attention to any questions or interpretation we may request. Further, they will be bringing out an expanded sampling of their fine scale miniature collection, specifically for our viewing pleasure. Come be inspired by the work of fine scale artisans, and perhaps reconnect with your inner child by viewing the collection of vintage toys and dolls as well!

KreatureKid

Hollywood special effects alumnus Adam Dougherty and his team at KreatureKid bring practical FX to film, screen, and the fine arts scene. Specializing in puppets, makeup, stop motion, miniatures and animatronics, the team brings old-school sculpting talent, mold making and hand skills right alongside modern 3D printing and the latest digital 3D sculpting and modeling technologies to produce stunning work to meet the most demanding of Hollywood deadlines. After working in Hollywood for many years, Adam realized that the film industry decentralizing across the US meant a team such as his could live and work anywhere, and that their props and physical assets would be shipped elsewhere no matter where they were located. His love of his home state of Colorado made his startup location a simple choice, and those of us attending this unique studio tour are fortunate that he made that decision.

(Note: Due to the unique demands imposed by working in the film industry, KreatureKid cannot guarantee that they will be able to host our tour until very near the conference date. They fully intend to host us in good faith, but if a project deadline demands their full attention, well, we're all professionals here, and understand what that means. Rest assured that even if this tour becomes impossible, we'll have a backup tour to fill the slot, so your tour day will not be cut short. More info will be noted here regarding the backup tour as we finalize our tour options and schedule.)

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Reynolds Advanced Materials is the distribution arm of Smooth-On, Inc., a name many model makers know and trust for their casting and mold-making supplies. The Denver facility regularly produces workshops and product demonstrations, teaching basic and advanced techniques to attendees in seminars ranging from a few hours to a few days. Our tour will focus on the broad range of materials available, as well as a look at their workspace and applications lab. See the tools the experts use to make their molds and achieve perfect castings. Become acquainted with the truly staggering range of Smooth-On product options, and see examples of molds and castings created using many of these lines. No matter what types of mold making you've done before, you're sure to leave this tour with questions answered and knowledge gained, able to seize future project opportunities with confidence.

To Be Announced

To Be Announced

To Be Announced