Visiting St. Paul, MN

[User_503771]

I'm currently in St. Paul for three weeks on business.

 

I'll be free on the weekends and would like to get out and about in

the town a little bit. I'm especially interested in any a) photo

supply stores, especially with LF cameras, film, etc.; b) guitar

stores; and/or c) galleries that might feature local photographers.

I'm most interested in browsing and chatting with local photographers

and musicians -- and, of course, seeing some of the local work,

especially B&W (but I never rule out color!).

 

If anyone can steer me in a general or specific direction, I'd much

appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance!

[donald_brewster]

A great town, but at the risk of annoying my good friends in St. Paul, most of the cultural events happen in Minneapolis, though not exclusively. Be prepared to make that 5-10 mile trip west across the river. ;-)

 

a) West Photo, 21 University Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55413

612-379-2321 [http://www.westphoto.com] Best (and only?) pro shop in state.

 

b) Guitars:

 

Charles Hoffman Guitars, 2219 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN. 55404. (612) 338-1079 Shop hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm weekdays 9:00 am -5:00 pm Saturday [http://www.hoffmanguitars.com] Superb handmade guitars used by many famous musicians.

 

Willie's American Guitars, 254 CLEVELAND AVE. SO. ST. PAUL, MN 55105,(651) 699-1913, [http://www.williesguitars.com] One of the very best used and vintage guitar stores in the world.

 

c) Minnesota Center for Photography, 165 13th Ave NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 824-5500 [http://www.mncp.org]

[jerry_flynn1]

In addition to Donald's list I'd add the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Third Avenue at 24 th street in Minneapolis - currently there is a exhibit of photographic ephemera as well as some selections from the permanent collection. Aslo, the Icebox Gallery 1500 Jackson Street NE #443. Cuurently showing Erica Stone

[alan_gage]

I haven't been to many photo stores in Minneapolis, but by far the biggest and best I've seen is National Cameras main store in Golden Valley (natcam.com). They've got a large selection and a basement devoted to traditional darkroom. They've got a "shutterbug department" upstairs that deals with most of their older, more expensive used (Leica), MF, and LF equipment. Unfortunately the shutter bug department is only open weeekdays until like 6 or something...I'm rarely in Minneapolis weekdays and have only gotten up there once.

 

In Minneapolis "uptown" is a neat area (down Hennepin and Lake st). I don't know if the walker art institute and sculpture garden are technically in uptown or not; but if not they're right by it.

 

Have fun,

 

Alan

[mrwestphal]

Hi Michael, if you haven't heard yet, there are 2 of your 3 items being shown at the Minnesota Center for Photography this weekend. They are having a show of local photographers that have photographed some great music groups over the last 30 years.

Here is there website,http://www.mncp.org. but be warned, I have heard that they are expecting a huge turn out!

 

hope you enjoy your stay in our fair city!

Doug W.

[mrwestphal]

Hi Michael, if you haven't heard yet, there are 2 of your 3 items being shown at the Minnesota Center for Photography this weekend. They are having a show of local photographers that have photographed some great music groups over the last 30 years.

Here is there website, www.mncp.org. but be warned, I have heard that they are expecting a huge turn out!

 

hope you enjoy your stay in our fair city!

Doug W.

[Troll]

I haven't lived in St. Paul for 40 years but, as I recall, it closed on Weekends. Probably the nude beach down by the Mississippi River has been replaced with condos -- I wonder what ever happened to those negatives?