Release Date: January 9, 2017
The DARKROOM and Bin 46 Wine Bar Restaurant Join Forces
The DARKROOM Fine-Art Photography Gallery and Bin 46 Wine Bar & Restaurant Join Forces
“The DARKROOM @ Bin 46”
Two established, women owned, downtown Longmont businesses are joining forces in the New Year, merging fine art, food and wine all into one incredible destination.
The DARKROOM Photography Gallery, which has built a name for itself, featuring the talents of local and national fine-art photographers, is expanding its offerings by joining Bin 46 Wine Bar & Restaurant within its’ space at 600 Longs Peak Avenue in Longmont.
“In many ways, art is all about change…transforming a blank canvas into a colorful scene, real life to still life, an invisible idea into a moving expression. After two fantastic years of growth in our intimate gallery space on Main St., we’re very proud to announce our big change of joining forces with Candy Campbell and taking up residence on the walls of Bin 46.” Said DARKROOM owner, Julie Cardinal
With its outstanding shows featuring talented fine-art photographers, the DARKROOM outgrew its intimate space at 515 Main Street in 2016. So midway through the year, every exhibit has moved from the gallery to Bin 46 and it has been a huge success. It’s been a win-win for both the gallery and the restaurant/wine bar.
“What started out in early 2015 as a need for curated art on the walls of the restaurant, naturally evolved into an elegant exhibition space for artists," said Candy Campbell, owner of Bin 46 Wine Bar and Restaurant. "With great curiosity and enthusiasm, we began hosting VIP receptions and artist meet and greets in partnership with Julie Cardinal of The DARKROOM. Paired with food and wine dinners and live entertainment, guests enjoy a whole new dining experience."
The DARKROOM brings a loyal following to Bin 46, while the restaurant offers up a larger audience for the gallery. Bin 46 also has expanded hours, open every day from 3-10 p.m. at its 600 Longs Peak Avenue location, a block west of Main Street. That means more exposure for the artists, too.
“Unique partnerships such as this are a huge asset for the downtown creative district,” explained Kimberlee McKee, executive director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority. “Combining the culinary arts with the visual arts enhances the experience for patrons and helps build a strong sense of community. An increased focus of the arts in the Northern part of downtown will help expand options for all our residents and visitors.
The photographic-centric gallery (first of its’ kind in Boulder County) will continue to offer its guest speaker series, semi-annual photo competitions, and most importantly, a space where fine-art photographers can continue to exhibit/sell their work. These combined with the special dinner events and wine tastings that Bin 46 has become known for should create an excellent destination for artisans, food aficionados and wine lovers across the region.
The move becomes official on Longmont’s first Second Friday of 2017, January 13 from 7-10 PM to the delight of local and national photographers who will have a continued and expanded venue to exhibit their work.
“Without these walls, without this light, without a floor, where would local photographers be…I’m grateful that the walls and roof and floor that we all need to meet and see vital work are not ending, that the space Julie Cardinal created at The DARKROOM is to be recreated (on a grander scale) at Bin 46, and that Longmont will still have this space as a place where we can see… I am grateful as we all are, that this special place in Longmont will still be,” said Jack Greene, local fine-art photographer.
Candy Campbell opened Bin 46 in 2015 to rave reviews, with its more than 200 wines by the bottle, unique food - sourced fresh and as local as possible, and varied offerings of craft beers and cocktails. “The Bin” has become known for its special holiday dinners, and private events for local businesses and individuals who are celebrating special occasions. The addition of the art element to Bin 46 is just a natural fit; art, wine and exceptional food.
“This partnership will allow us to share even more incredible art with more people, and to build a wider community of Longmont artists and art enthusiasts. We'll continue to have juried photography contests, artist exhibits, and special events in our new location, and we are very excited to continue enriching lives through art in the New Year and beyond!” said Cardinal
"It is exciting to give back to our community and participate in a meaningful way and we are thrilled to donate a percentage of all photography sales to a different nonprofit for each rotating show", added Campbell. "We have been very successful in bringing artists, nonprofits and community supporters together in one place with the help of these very unique collaborations."
The official collaboration kick-off of “The DARKROOM @ Bin 46” is January 13th, 2017, from 7-10 at 600 Longs Peak Avenue in Longmont.
For more information:
303-485-7191; info@thedarkroomlongmont.com; julieacardinal@yahoo.com; candy@bin46bar.com