In this engaging episode of NYSA Presents!, the show kicked off with a lively musical tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, featuring a performance of her song “Raised on Robbery.” The main segment shifted to a stereoscopic adventure, where hosts Dorothy Goodman (aka Stereodora) and Martin Shu shared their experiences from the National Stereoscopic Association’s (NSA) 3D Con held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Through vivid 3D photos and anecdotes, they highlighted excursions, workshops, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that made the event a success, offering viewers a fun glimpse into the world of stereoscopic photography.
The episode began with the “Anoglyphic Juke Talk” segment, hosted by Joe, who introduced the iconic Canadian artist Roberta Joan “Joni” Mitchell (née Anderson), born on November 7, 1943. Highlighting her career as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter, Joe noted her early days performing in small nightclubs in Saskatoon and Toronto before moving to the U.S. in 1965. He shared her impressive accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and praise from Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest songwriters ever,” as well as AllMusic’s description of her as the most important female recording artist of the late 20th century. The segment featured a spirited live performance of Mitchell’s song “Raised on Robbery,” complete with lyrics about a chance encounter in a hotel lounge, backed by applause and musical interludes, setting a vibrant tone for the show.
Transitioning to the stereoscopic focus, host Herb welcomed Dorothy Goodman (Stereodora) and Martin Shu to guide viewers through the NSA’s 3D Con in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The duo, joined by audience input from attendees like Tom and Vicki Martin, described the event as a week-long celebration of 3D photography, filled with excursions, workshops, and presentations. They emphasized the collaborative spirit, with local organizers like Tom and Vicki scouting unique locations. The presentation included 3D images captured using various cameras, such as the Beam Pro, Fuji W3, Panasonic Lumix with 3D lens, and the 3DSteroid app, showcasing the creative and technical aspects of stereoscopy.
The first excursion day started at Hot Sam’s Photo Park in Lakeville, Minnesota, a 10-acre site owned by a couple who collect eclectic items from pop culture, science fiction, and fantasy. Described as ideal for 3D photography, it features quirky props like trailers, sharks, and graffiti opportunities—though no one confirmed adding “3D” to the sign. Entry fees varied by camera type ($10 for a Fuji W3, $25 for twin rigs), reflecting its use for professional shoots. Attendees like Vicki noted its popularity for senior and wedding photos. The group then visited Minnehaha Falls Park for views of the 53-foot falls, followed by the Minnesota Firefighters Museum. The day wrapped at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where participants photographed iconic pieces amid curious onlookers, though modern cameras resembling cell phones drew less attention than vintage stereo rigs.
Day two brought the group to Como Park Zoo, a free attraction bustling with summer camp kids. Highlights included a Swedish-style replica building, a roped-off fantasy dragon exhibit, and close-up animal shots like posing mammals and extinct species replicas, captured with the Panasonic Lumix 3D macro lens. The American Swedish Institute followed, housed in the historic Turnblad Mansion (a “castle” built by a Swedish-language newspaper publisher whose circulation peaked at 50,000 in the late 1800s). A guided tour showcased exquisite ceilings, elaborate chimneys, and dining rooms. The State Capitol in St. Paul, completed in 1905 by architect Cass Gilbert, featured the “Progress of the State” quadriga statue (inspired by the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition) and massive marble columns. Underground explorations included the Rathskeller cafeteria, honoring German immigrants, and the basement’s structural details. The Minnesota Historical Society Library offered access to special stereograph collections.
The convention’s core included hands-on workshops and talks. Barry Rothstein led a session on “hand phantograms,” using models like Tilly for 3D illusions. Zack Horton discussed medium-format photography with his custom Mchrome cameras. Roger Hamas Sasaki’s workshop on “Easy French Tissues” involved painting stereograms with watercolors. Denny Pel presented astonishing glass plate negatives from vaudeville and theatricals. Eric Kurland and Lawrence Kaufman covered 3D space and comic books, while Tom Jarvis explored the Keystone View Company’s history. Impromptu hallway sessions featured devices like the Looking Glass display. The 3D theater screened films, including “The Glass Web” from the 3D Film Archive, with complex projection setups requiring skilled volunteers like Eric for dismantling.
A standout visit was to the House of Balls, a quirky art gallery in Minneapolis run by sculptor Allen Christian. Filled with welded junk art—like etched hubcaps, bowling ball sculptures, and a customized Ford F-150 truck—the space includes outdoor pieces and interconnected rooms accessed via a darkroom door. Discovered by Martin via a light rail stop, it’s open for sales and even participates in art car parades. The final excursion day included the Red Wing Historic Pottery Museum (with 6,000 pieces of stoneware and a 1950s-60s kitchen replica), lunch at Liberty Cafe in downtown Red Wing, the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum (home to the world’s largest boot), the National Eagle Center in Wabasha (sanctuary for injured bald eagles), Lark Toys in Kellogg (featuring a hand-carved operating carousel and Star Wars exhibits), and a quick stop at the Mall of America, noted for its theme park elements like roller coasters and recent expansions making it the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
Martin Shu provided insights into convention planning, starting two years in advance with volunteer chairs securing hotels (contracts signed a year out). Committees handle excursions (local input from Tom and Vicki), speakers (recruited by Martin, Eric Kurland, and Tom Dory), and logistics like sandbags and pipe drapes. Zoom meetings began in March, with NSA’s Barb Goch and incoming president Greg Perez key figures. Challenges included hotel negotiations, but staff proved accommodating. The event fosters community, with calls for future hosts (next in Albuquerque, New Mexico; potential East Coast sites like Albany or Kingston suggested). No backups for last-minute cancellations, but flexibility exists for theaters.
The episode wrapped with thanks to Stereodora, Martin, Tom, Vicki, and the crew, including Jay Kaznets, Jim Harp, Joe Pedone, Paul Hutchinson, and Herb Weiner. Host Herb praised the generosity of sharing 3D experiences, likening it to European tours by Paul Hutchinson, and encouraged local clubs to contribute content. The show emphasized escaping the news cycle through fun and collaboration, ending with an invitation to the afterparty for further discussion.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: https://www.rockhall.com/
Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/
AllMusic: https://www.allmusic.com/
Xreal Beam Pro (spatial computing device used for 3D photography): https://www.xreal.com/beam-pro
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 (stereo camera): https://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/3d/finepix_real_3d_w3/
Panasonic Lumix (camera with 3D lens): https://www.panasonic.com/us/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-digital-cameras.html
3DSteroid (Android app for 3D photography): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.suto.stereoroid
Looking Glass Factory (3D display device): https://lookingglassfactory.com/
National Stereoscopic Association (NSA): https://stereoworld.org/
3D Film Archive: https://www.3dfilmarchive.com/
House of Balls: https://houseofballs.com/
Red Wing Shoes: https://www.redwingshoes.com/
Mall of America: https://www.mallofamerica.com/
Keystone View Company (historical stereoscopic views; no active site, but referenced via NSA): https://stereoworld.org/keystone-view-company/
