Year One

To say 2009 was an eventful year for Anthologie would be a huge understatement.

The business became official on Feb. 5, the website launched April 1, our first retail location opened May 1, and by the end of the year we had already restructured. It wasn't an easy decision, but ultimately co-founder John Magnoski left his post Nov. 1 to help our fledgling business bolster its vitality. We lost an extremely talented photographer and a great person, but gained a more nimble business aimed at making our service options simpler and more affordable for our clients.

Last weekend, Anthologie extended a thank-you to some of the many friends, family members and colleagues whose support made this past year possible. Our first Anniversary party was a savory blend of visual and culinary arts, as our friends at Fermentations Wine Bar & Bistro in Dundas whet our palates with amazing hors d' oeuvres (when I say amazing, I mean mind-numbingly, space-time-continuum altering; just check out the photos) while folks were able to take in the sights of my latest exhibition, "Freeze Frame" in the Anthologie gallery. Thank you to everyone who came out for this festive affair.

So what's in store for year two? You can count on the creative photography and compelling storytelling you've come to expect from Anthologie, but you can also expect new products and services, changes to the website and a steadfast dedication to making everything easier on you!

Stay tuned ...

Anthologie 2009 Year In Review

Twelve moments that stand out from the rest With my newspaper background I have a habit of looking back as each December draws to a close. While it's fun to see where we've been and dream about the future, I wonder how many people realize that most media outlets practice the Year In Review simply because it's a holiday week and not a lot of news happens?

At any rate, a solid photography portfolio has no more than 12 images, which coincides nicely with the calendar. Following are some of my favorite images -- one per month -- from 2009. While it's nearly impossible to pick the absolute, best-of-the-best images (The shutter on my camera opens and closes tens of thousands of times each year), the photos that follow celebrate some of my favorite stories and moments of the past year. I hope you enjoy the show.

Anthologie re-opens in downtown Northfield

Artists' reception brightens Bridge Square

The past month as been a time of transition for Anthologie. I truly appreciate everyone's patience during the remodeling of our offices and gallery at 18 Bridge Square. The Garage and Anthologie have repurposed our building, bringing a hip venue for business and the arts in downtown Northfield.

This past weekend, we hosted an artists' reception for myself and Meredith Fierke with the opening of "The Train Song," a photography exhibition combining my images with Meredith's personal blog entries, chronicling her ascent in the music industry. Visitors were treated to a special, extended version of the exhibition featuring images made this week with the events coinciding with the release of the Cities97 Sampler Vol. 21, on which Meredith's music is featured.

A special thanks to all who came to visit our space and support the arts! As a thank you, door prizes were awarded during the opening. Our winners are:

• Sara Ohotto Bauer, limited edition Dan Iverson print

• Cari and Eric Goodman, "The Procession" CD by Meredith Fierke

• James and Molly Bauer, complimentary Anthologie photo session!

For those who missed the opening, not to worry: The exhibition will remain on view at the Anthologie Gallery through Dec. 18, 2009.

To see more photos from the reception, click HERE.

When in the course of human events...

Anthologie celebrates the written words and voices of patriotism

As we celebrate our national holiday of patriotism, we would like to point out that the Declaration of Independence commemorates a document of ideas rather than marking the beginning or end of any war or battle. We, too, wish to salute ideas and words with our latest project, "American Anthologie,"

John and I will interview and photograph champions of the ideals on which our nation was founded. We are not only interested in speaking with soldiers and veterans, but anyone with an American spirit and a story to tell.

Tell us what it means to you to be an American. Tell us when you felt the most American. Tell us what your hopes are for the future of America. We will interview you, photograph you, preserve your memorabilia and create a custom book telling your american story - safeguarding it for future generations.

What you need • A story with an American theme • Momentos associated with the story (badges, newsprint, letters) What you get • a 20-page book, the chronicle of your story, beautiful images

What it costs? $120 to cover our expenses (Regular price $750)

Deadline Please contact us at 952.232.5830, e-mail info@theanthologie or fill out our contact form HERE by July 31, 2009 to reserve your session

Anthologie making headlines

In early May we were thrilled to have one of our favorite clients contact us for a very special occasion. Tyler, whose family I have been documenting for the past yer, had planned to propose. I was fortunate enough to capture the moment and sort of become part of the story. See my earlier blog post HERE.

Shortly thereafter, we were contacted by a writer from the Mankato Free Press who had read our blog and was intrigued by the story. John and I, along with Tyler and Ashley, were interviewed in late May for a feature story which highlighted the entire experience and was recently published in the Free Press "Currents" section. Click HERE to read the full story, "Picture perfect proposal" by Sara Gilbert Frederick.