WHY HOST A GALA?
Minnesotans have embodied resilience and grit this year in the face of Operation Metro Surge.
In the darkest days, artists created paintings and poems that raged with us, mourned with us, and encouraged us.
More than 650 artists have shared 1,000+ artworks with the Rebel Loon Archive. We preserve and share this art through exhibitions and publications.
We are on the cusp of publishing our 250-page hardcover anthology, Art Against Operation Metro Surge, and over 3,500 copies have been pre-ordered. We donated $6,000 from early pre-orders to the Immigrant Defense Network, and will continue to support them with $5 from each copy sold.
We’ve also held free art exhibitions in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and the Minnesota State Capitol building, with more planned.
We can’t do this work without you.
We hope you’ll join us for the inaugural Rebel Loon Archive gala, celebrating resilience and the beauty of migration while acknowledging our grief and the work that lies ahead of us.
DETAILS
We are partnering with the Ramsey County Historical Society to host this event at the stunning Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 15th.
Over the course of the evening, guests will enjoy diverse musical performances, a silent and live auction, and dinner by Sean Sherman's Indígena by Owamni.
The gala's dress theme is "Migration," and guests are invited to interpret the theme creatively. Consider the many migratory animals and concepts you can draw from: Perhaps you're inspired by the silver-blue and peach colors of a salmon, or the speckled white on black of the common loon. Or maybe it's the idea of plants bursting into bloom that inspires you. From understated to bold, we're excited to see everyone's interpretations.
Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased here. Patron-level tickets (VIP) will be available through October 1, with more details available at the ticket link.
We will donate 5% of gala ticket and sponsorship revenue received directly by the Archive to Unidos MN. We will also donate 5% of gala book & merchandise sales to the Immigrant Defense Network. These two organizations have staunchly defended immigrants and democracy in our communities, and we are honored to support them.
Click here to learn more about the gala and purchase tickets.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
You can support our mission and the power of this art by sponsoring the Rebel Loon Archive gala.
Secure your sponsorship by Thursday, October 1 to ensure you receive all benefits.
BRONZE SPONSOR: $100 - $499
Your organization will receive:
Recognition as a sponsor on The Rebel Loon Archive website
SILVER SPONSOR: $500 - $999
Your organization will receive all Bronze Sponsor benefits, plus:
Recognition with your name displayed in the printed gala program
GOLD SPONSOR: Exclusive Opportunities With Dedicated Signage and Patron-Level Admission
Each gold sponsorship includes recognition in printed gala program, speech, & email newsletter, and One Patron Admission ticket. Additional Patron tickets or a table may be purchased separately.
Coffee Bar Gold Sponsor: $2,500
Sponsor name will be prominently displayed at Jenni's Café, where patrons will enjoy unlimited complimentary barista beverages & custom Lingonberry Apple Spritz mocktails.
Dessert Gold Sponsor: $3,000
Sponsor name will be highlighted as the dessert course is brought out.
Lounge Gold Sponsor: $3,500
Sponsor name will be prominently displayed in the lounge area where guests relax during the mingling hour.
"Migration" Theme Gold Sponsor: $5,000
Sponsor name will be prominently displayed in the check-in area, clearly visible as guests arrive and leave.
Sponsor will also receive recognition social media.
Gold Sponsor Add-On: Complete Your Table for Eight: $2,100
Gold sponsorships include one Patron Admission. If a table for eight guests is desired, this add-on permits a corporate sponsor to host a full Patron-level table by adding seven additional tickets.
Sponsorships can be registered at this link.
GALA CHOREOGRAPHY
Do you want all the details before the event? You’re in the right place. Read on:
DRESS
The gala's dress theme is "Migration," and guests are invited to interpret the theme creatively. Consider the many migratory animals and concepts you can draw from: Perhaps you're inspired by the silver-blue and peach colors of a salmon, or the speckled white on black of the common loon. Or maybe it's the idea of plants bursting into bloom that inspires you. From understated to bold, we're excited to see everyone's interpretations.
ARRIVAL
Parking is available in many ramps nearby, and parking details will be added closer to the gala date.
You and your friends can check in at the Landmark Center's South entrance. If you need an accessible entrance, that can be found on the East side of the building.
At check-in, if you have Patron tickets, you will receive two drink vouchers, as well as a beautiful custom pin that you are encouraged to wear throughout the evening (with a magnetic back—your outfit won't be harmed).
From there, you can follow the red carpet to the Landmark Center's cash bar offering cocktails, wines, beers, champagne, as well as many non-alcoholic options.
Past the bar, you and your group can pause at the photo station, showing off your attire, and each of you will receive a photostrip memento.
SILENT AUCTION
As you move on, art from the Rebel Loon Archive collection adorns the atrium's walls, while tables of silent auction items beckon you to browse. Using Givebutter's intuitive built-in bidding platform, you can use your phone to place bids for your favorite items. Friends who aren't attending the gala will be able to bid on items remotely, and the Givebutter platform will update in real time.
Relax in the cozy lounge between the pillars and finish your drink while you watch the spectacularly-dressed crowd, chat with new friends, and enjoy the live music.
Once you're ready to wander, make your way to the new Café Jenni that just opened in the atrium this spring, and enjoy unlimited complimentary barista beverage or custom Lingonberry Apple Spritz mocktails created especially for this gala. While your drink is being prepared, glance at your phone to see how the silent auction is unfolding, and sneakily outbid your competitor when the moment is right.
As you sip your barista beverage, you can browse the merchandise table, where you can purchase small artworks, prints, copies of the new book The Rebel Loon Archive: Art Against Operation Metro Surge, and other items.
As the silent auction draws to a close, guests will be invited to take their seats. Patron guests will enjoy preferred seating near the stage, with a curated gift box waiting at each place. Sponsored tables will receive the same preferred seating and gift boxes, along with tasteful table displays featuring the sponsor’s name, logo, and information. After dinner, each sponsored table will also be invited to join in a champagne toast.
DINNER
Dinner will be catered by Indígena by Owamni, founded by Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef. Sherman was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023 and is a three-time James Beard Award winner and recipient of the Julia Child Award.
This will be a feast to remember, celebrating Indigenous foodways:
First course: Maple Chili Roasted Squash w/ Jalapeño Aioli & Wojapi with Tortillas (V)
Second course: choice of Stuffed Poblanos w/ Green Pepían Mole (V) or Bison NY Steak w/ Garlic Squash Aioli
Side: Sweet Potatoes with Indigenous Chili Crisp (V)
Dessert: Chocolate Sweet Potato Donuts with Maple & Wojapi (V)
All courses are gluten-free and dairy-free.
Vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike will find something to suit their preferences.
LIVE AUCTION
As dinner continues, legendary nonprofit auctioneer Karen Sorbo will take the stage, hosting us as various members of the community reflect on where we've been, who's helped us through, and what lies ahead.
Sorbo will make final announcements on winners for the silent auction, and will then serve as auctioneer for our live auction as we bid for original artworks and gift packages.
Throughout the gala, Mexican-American painter and Rebel Loon Archive artist Julissa Andrade, also known as Paxpaints, will be creating an original painting that will crown the live auction.
END OF THE EVENING
Taiko Arts Midwest will close the evening with an earthshaking taiko drum performance!
After the auction winners are announced and the last crumbs of dessert are gone, wander back to Jenni’s Café for a decaf mocha or another mocktail, or return to the bar for an Aperol spritz or a good bourbon, if that’s more your style.
When you suddenly remember that holiday season is just around the corner, check back in at the merchandise table to pick up a few gifts for the people on your list.
At nine o’clock, stop by the check-in table to pick up a gift bag before heading home. Patron guests should also remember to bring the gift box waiting at their dinner table.
Delivery of auction items will be arranged after the fact, unless you complete payment at the gala and would like to bring it home with you immediately. Please note: original artworks may be available for auction with the understanding that winners reasonably allow the Rebel Loon Archive to display the artwork in future exhibitions.
DETAILS & QUESTIONS
For sponsorship, accessibility, ticketing issues, or any other questions, contact us here.
Tickets and sponsorships purchased through this platform are not tax-deductible. Tax-deductible donations to the Rebel Loon Archive are welcome through our fiscal sponsor at https://www.givemn.org/story/rebel-loon.
Tickets are transferable but nonrefundable. In extraordinary circumstances, please contact contact us here to request an exception.
Photography and video recording will take place throughout the evening. By attending, guests consent to the use of their image in event-related communications and promotional materials.
Auction winners may pay through our fiscal sponsor, Springboard for the Arts, with a check or with a phone call credit card payment. When payment is made through Springboard, any amount paid above the item’s fair market value may be tax-deductible.
Winners may also pay directly through Givebutter for a faster checkout experience. Payments made through Givebutter are not tax-deductible.
Please note: Original artworks from the Rebel Loon Archive collection may be sold with the understanding that they must remain reasonably available for future exhibitions organized by the Archive.