A new photography exhibit opened at the Mill City Museum on November 15th. The exhibit features the photography of Charles Chamblis, a Twin Cities photographer famous for documenting the changing dynamics of the cities in throughout the 1970’s and 80’s: His photos brilliantly portray the lively and energetic social and artistic life of the local African American community during this time period.
The new exhibit is aptly named, “Sights, Sounds, Soul: The Twin Cities Through the Lens of Charles Chamblis”
Chamblis photography wasn’t fixated on just one aspect of life during this time period. His photographs show everyday scenes, i.e. family gatherings, and weddings in more intimate pieces, as well as the dynamic energy of the legendary Minneapolis music scene. He feature the almost mythical figures of Flyte Tyme, Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Prince, and Prophets of Peace exploring the local soul, funk, and R&B acts of the period. And not only the acts, but the venues they performed in are featured front and center; places like the Taste Show Lounge, Riverview Supper Club, and Nacirema Club.
It was a special time in Twin Cities history. And no one captured it quite like Chamblis.
The exhibit will be on display until March 31, 2018.
About Mill City Museum
Built within the charred ruins of the Washburn A Mill, the now National Historic Landmark and award-winning Mill City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that fueled the growth of Minneapolis (Minneapolis was once the largest milling city in the world) and led to the city it is today. The story comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower, Water Lab, Baking Lab and other interactive exhibits with fantastic views of the river.
The museum is located at 704 S. Second St. in Minneapolis.
Hours are 10am to 5am Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5pm Sundays. The site is also open Mondays 10am to 5pm, but only in July and August. For more information, call 612-341-7555 or visit www.millcitymuseum.org.
The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.
