Fin Art makes their mark on South Broadway

Based in the South Broadway District of Denver, there is a small cropping of modern furniture design studios. Among them is Fin Art, producing one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, with the help and inspiration of reclaimed materials. Fin Art is made up of two individuals, Rob McGowan and Ben Olson, who started Fin Art six months ago. The pair recently had their first show at Fancy Tiger and report that it was a huge success. Invironments in Boulder, a shop specializing in sustainable interior design options and products, also features select pieces from Fin Art.

 While McGowan and Olson have been working with their furniture ideas over the past three years, their recent accent into full-time designers and manufacturers demonstrates their success so far. Fin Art makes custom pieces based off an affinity for wood and reclaimed materials. McGowan says their pieces are inspired by Mid-Century Modern design as well as usability.

When asked what direction they would like to go with their newly created company and furniture line, McGowan says they are just finishing a new line that they plan to release in the next month. The entire line is based around integrating reclaimed or re-purposed materials. As of now, The Baker Cabinets, Rolling Pin Desk and The Roark coffee table are pieces that exhibit this quality.

Strong modern furniture design is largely untapped in Denver, with studios such as Double Butter and Housefish leading and comprising most of the work being done in this arena. Both McGowan and Olson would like to see more furniture design of this caliber come out of Denver. “There are a handful of people working to push the boundaries. We hope to be part of that.”

Conveyor Desk.

Roark Desk.

The Baker Cabinets: Repurposed material from the alleys of the Baker neighborhood.

Record Case.

Zebra.

Fin Hooks.