New Collegeville Photo Essay Book Available

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – As Saint John’s Abbey and University prepare to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the harmony of the landscape, buildings and people of Collegeville are captured in a new book titled “Collegeville” featuring the compelling photography of Mike and Michael Sipe.  The 138-page photo essay in color and black-and-white includes 70 large photographs and five large fold-out pages. 

The book, available for $65, can be ordered exclusively through the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Bookstores by calling 1-800-420-4509 or online at www.csbsju.edu/bookstore.  Profits from the sale of the book will go to the Joe O’Connell Art Scholarship Fund and Saint John’s Arboretum.

An exhibit featuring photos from the book will run Monday, August 15 to Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud.  An artist’s reception will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Paramount.

The inspiring images in the book honor the natural and constructed beauty of this special place and the avocations of its residents – from farmers and educators to sculptors and musicians.  The book also includes a history of Saint Johns’ Abbey, written by the Rev. Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, who has taught at SJU since 1963 and served as its president from 1982 to 1991.

Mike Sipe has spent most of his life in the Central Minnesota area and his son, Michael, is a professional photographer in Burlington, Vt.  Both are graduates of Saint John’s Preparatory School and University.