SUMMARY

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.

AT A GLANCE

Thursday, October 15, 6–9 p.m.
Landmark Center, St. Paul
Dress theme: Migration-inspired formalwear

Standard Admission: $150

Dinner
Complimentary café beverages and crafted mocktail
Entertainment and program
Auction access
Photo booth & souvenir
Gift bag

~~Patron Admission: $300~~
~~CLOSES OCTOBER 5~~

Everything included in Standard Admission
Preferred seating
Curated gift box
Custom magnetic enamel pin
Two drink vouchers

~~Patron Table Sponsorship: $2400 for eight guests~~
~~CLOSES OCTOBER 5~~

Eight Patron Admissions
Sponsor display and recognition
Champagne toast
Signage at table, and recognition in program, speech, & email newsletter

WHAT IS THE REBEL LOON ARCHIVE?

The Rebel Loon Archive began in January 2026 as a small effort to preserve artwork created in response to Operation Metro Surge. In just a few months, it has grown into a collection of more than 1,000 artworks from over 650 contributors in Minnesota and beyond.

Funds raised at the gala will support staffing, exhibitions, preservation, and the digitization of the entire collection into a permanent, freely accessible digital archive.

These artworks are historical documents, preserving the voices and experiences of hundreds of our neighbors for future generations. We have already presented free exhibitions in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, with additional free exhibitions planned this fall at the Minnesota State Capitol and our September book launch.

The gala will also extend the Archive’s commitment to community support: we will donate 5% of gala ticket and sponsorship revenue to Unidos MN and 5% of gala book and 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.

WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT THE ARCHIVE?

The Archive is currently volunteer-run. Donations directly determine how much art we can preserve, publish, and exhibit.

Here are a few examples of what your gifts have made possible:

Climate-controlled storage for original artworks donated to the Archive
A dedicated office for meetings and package reception, with loading dock access for book pallet deliveries
Exhibition-quality printing of digital artworks for display in two separate art exhibitions: Uptown Minneapolis and Los Angeles, CA

Here are examples of what future support will make possible:

Cardboard sleeves, shelving, and labeling for safe long-term art storage
Paying artists whose work is selected for publication and exhibition, helping to preserve their art and to fund more of it
Offering community-facing art events, as well as partnering with existing organizations doing similar work
Working on the digital archive and timeline, including paying for support and expertise from archival professionals
Fairly compensating Archive staff who have been volunteering their time and paying out of pocket for expenses

We will donate 5% of gala ticket and sponsorship revenue received directly by the Archive to Unidos MN, and 5% of gala book & merchandise sales to the Immigrant Defense Network.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

Sponsoring the Rebel Loon Archive gala visibly supports a rapidly growing Minnesota organization preserving an extraordinary moment in our state’s history. It also offers an opportunity to demonstrate your company's support for human dignity, diverse communities, and the preservation of community stories.

You can support our mission and the power of this art by sponsoring the Rebel Loon Archive gala.

Secure your sponsorship by Thursday, October 5 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 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~~ [This sponsorship has been claimed.]
- 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 [~~This sponsorship has been claimed.]
- 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.

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.

DETAILS & QUESTIONS

For sponsorship, accessibility, ticketing, or any other questions, contact Erica at rebel.loon.mn@gmail.com.

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.

Please see https://therebelloonarchive.com/events/gala-2026 for more details.

Rebel Loon Archive Gala

Preserving & Sharing Minnesota Resistance Art