BLK MKT Studios Pop Up @ The Kings Lens & Friends - Newport, RI
We recently had the opportunity to pop up at The Kings Lens and Friends gallery in Newport, RI hosted by our homie Pat Murphy. The Kings Lens And Friends was founded in 2016 by Water Photographer Patrick Murphy. As what started as place for Patrick to showcase his art as well as the talented artists in his circle, It has quickly become a premier Pop Up mecca located on the North East. In four years the shop has showcased over 60 artist instillations, sponsored and hosted music and art festivals, housed farm to table dinners, and connected the community. Taking home at 7 Carroll Ave in Newport Rhode Island, the shop is connected in Co-Op style to Harvest Market and The Coffee Guy. Together they make a perfect combination to feel inspired and connect to local roots.
The shop has a lot of character and is far from a traditional white-walled, slick floored, “stuffy” art gallery geared towards the affluent middle aged collector. The Kings Lens feels home-y, and has warm, welcoming vibes - everyone is the homie, it is a gathering place for friends. These are principals that we align with. All of the art is local and made by talented artists and artisans, while displayed profoundly on imperfect walls. In the mornings, the smell of coffee and breakfast sandwiches drifts over from the businesses connected next door within the open layout of the floor plan.
