A New Home For Treehouse
treehouse sells film camera and supplies, and hosts various events, including (below) photo exhibits
BOBBY ASATO PHOTOS
Local film photography shop treehouse now has a new place to call home: a bright, open second-floor space at SALT at Our Kakaako, where it opened Dec. 1.
“The customers that have come from our old space, they are really happy to see the results, so we feed off that,” says owner Bobby Asato.
“We are really excited to be here,” he adds.
Asato, who worked as a graphic designer before founding treehouse, was drawn to film because of the process: one that requires the photographer to slow down and really think about the shot. The shop, which had been at its Ward Avenue location for four years before coming to SALT, sells film cameras and related supplies, along with photo and art books, camera bags, kid art supplies, apparel and more.
Patrons of the old space, though, should know that treehouse still is keeping its staple events — including film camera swaps and workshops. Its popular Film Camera Swap Meet, which connects buyers and sellers directly, will continue monthly. Its workshops feature various topics including black and white film processing, lens cleaning, Polaroid emulsion lifts and more.
Its ever-changing photo exhibits, which feature work by film photographers, are continuing, too. Currently on display is a series from Vans’ Nolan Hall from his recent trip to the islands with the Vans surf team. Next up is an exhibit centered around Standing Rock.
“We try to feature (film photographers) that have a unique style or body of work,” Asato says. “The idea is also to show the clientele that this is what is done on film — and hopefully inspire them to start or continue it.”
Photo exhibits
BOBBY ASATO PHOTOS
That, after all, is the over-arching vision of treehouse in general: to keep film alive.
Ultimately, it seems, the move will help it on that mission. With the activity surrounding their new location, Asato says they already have been noticing some new faces coming into the shop.
“Kakaako is an up-and-coming creative community,” he says. “We get the curious shoppers from the restaurants — we have been getting a lot of people popping in.
“To me, that is the excitement — to see people appreciate the format and either start film photography, or watch them go deeper and having them come in and share their knowledge.”
Treehouse’s new location is at SALT at Our Kakaako. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today (Dec. 23) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve. After Christmas, it will resume regular hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit treehouse-shop.com or call 597-TREE.
