February 28, 2003-

Start sharpening your senses. The hottest event this weekend, Artopia, offers a sampling of every art form you could pack into one party.

A profusion of visuals, music, dance, fashion and culinary exhibitions will come together Saturday night at the Temple Events Center for the "Chicago"-themed event.

"We have a ton of stuff," said Jason Ornstein of Team Player Productions, which is producing the party. "We offer every aspect of art and let people's senses take over from there."

Along with the Colorado Artists Festival exhibit, that means break-dance performances, improv theater shows and more.

Watch out for flying knives at the Steel Chef competition, a handy knockoff of the Iron Chef show, where two culinary masters go toque-to-toque to see who can create the most delectable creation.

The lovely dancers from Burlesque As It Was will put on a show, rather than take it off. For the uninitiated, the current burlesque revival has prompted the formation of multiple local dance troupes that specialize in the time-honored art of staged seduction.

Another likely highlight is the Tableau Vivant fashion show, orchestrated by area boutiques Eve and Edward Dorian, where paintings will literally come to life. Amber Feltman, owner of Eve Boutique on Larimer Square, said, "It's very theatrical. It's much more than just models walking down a white runway. We'll have much more of a show."

As if they don't already have enough going on, add live music from two of Denver's best local bands. The Matthew Moon Band wins audiences with expressive, acoustic-flavored rock, and Yo, Flaco! gets the groove going with its jazzy funk-hop hybrid.

Some people have been understandably wary of the steep $45 ticket price, but Ornstein thinks it is worth the investment.

"People definitely get their money's worth. We'll have nine well-stocked open bars and plenty of food from 10 restaurants, plus part of the proceeds are donated to the Denver Metro Partners. I firmly believe this is the coolest event in Denver."

Artopia, 8 p.m. Saturday, Temple Events Center, 1595 Pearl St.; $45, 21 and over; Ticketweb or at the door.