Enjoy a private 75-minute guided sauna experience including sandals, a robe, and a towel. You will enjoy access to a private rooftop sauna and outdoor lounge space. As you unwind, enjoy a selection of aromatic herbal teas carefully chosen to enhance your sauna experience.

After your session, continue to unwind by taking advantage of the Four Seasons Minneapolis spa facilities such as the steam rooms, showers, and the indoor pool.

Available up to a party of eight people, Monday through Thursdays. Weekend availability for Four Seasons Hotel guests.

What's included:

• Fresh towels, slides, robes and lockers
• Organic herbal tea and ice water
• Aromatherapy Essential Oils
• 3 Hours of spa amenities

Sauna sessions require everyone to sign a waiver in order to participate. Valued at $225.80/per person (up to $1,806.40). Donated by Cedar & Stone.

Mark a literary milestone in one of Minnesota’s most important literary spaces.

This Book Launch & Readings Package at Open Book offers everything needed to host a professional, fully realized event—whether you’re celebrating a new publication, gathering a community, or sharing work in a space designed for it.

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Open Book is a home for writers, readers, and the organizations that support them. This package places you directly within that ecosystem, offering not just a venue, but a context for your work to be received.

Package includes:

• Three-hour use of the Open Book Performance Hall (seating up to 100)
• Literary Commons/Atrium space for reception, book signing, and sales
• Podium and stage platform
• Microphone(s), screen, and projector
• Tables for refreshments and signing
• Six high-top tables with linens
• Event listing on the marquee

Valid through April 17, 2027. Valued at $500. Donated by Open Book.

“Diver 17” is an original artwork by painter Jil Evans, known for her expressive, luminous surfaces and layered abstraction. This piece invites viewers into a shifting field of gesture and color, inviting deepened attention and opening space for reflection. Valued at $1,200. Donated by Jil Evans, “in thanks for the Loft.”

Invite ten guests to an evening shaped by one of Minnesota’s most respected culinary voices.

Beth Dooley—James Beard Award–winning food writer and cookbook author—will prepare and serve a thoughtfully curated, multi-course dinner in your home.

Known for her deep connection to place, seasonality, and the stories embedded in food, Beth brings a rare combination of culinary craft and cultural insight to the table.

Beth will work directly with the host to develop a seasonal menu tailored to the occasion. She will provide all food, preparation, and minimal clean-up, allowing you to fully inhabit the evening alongside your guests.

• In-home dinner for up to 10 guests
• Custom, seasonal menu developed in collaboration with the host
• Food, preparation, and minimal clean-up included
• Host responsible for beverages
• Date to be mutually agreed upon; please avoid July–August and major holidays
• Advance scheduling required; some flexibility appreciated as schedules evolve

Valued at $5,000. Donated by Beth Dooley.

Whether you’re preparing a keynote, pitching a project, or representing your organization in the community, this two-hour session with communication expert Kris Patrow will elevate your presence and sharpen your message. With decades of experience coaching leaders across sectors, Kris blends practical strategy with a deep understanding of audience, voice, and clarity. Valued at $3,500. Donated by Kris Patrow. Must be redeemed by December 2026.

Enjoy a game at Target Field with one of Minnesota’s most beloved teams. This certificate provides four tickets to a 2026 regular season game for the Minnesota Twins, offering a chance to gather with friends or family and take in the rhythm of baseball in the heart of Minneapolis.

• Four tickets to a 2026 Minnesota Twins regular season home game
• Game date mutually agreed upon at time of redemption
• Must be redeemed online in advance; subject to availability
• Top three game choices selected during redemption process

Valued at $200. Donated by the Minnesota Twins.

Part of photographer Laura Migliorino’s exploration of iconic literature and public memory, this inkjet print reframes Catcher in the Rye through a contemporary visual lens. Rich in atmosphere and detail, the work invites viewers to consider how books leave marks on culture — and on us. Valued at $350. Donated by Laura Migliorino.

Gary Snyder - "Getting in the Wood"
This signed, limited-edition broadside was produced for the 1982–83 Walker Reading Series. Printed in collaboration with the Walker Art Center, each broadside captures the energy of a period when poets and visual artists worked side by side to push form, voice, and material expression.

A meaningful gift for collectors, poets, and admirers of print culture who value the intersection of art and language. Valued at $100. Donated by The Loft Literary Center.

Read the poem:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57151/getting-in-the-wood

Nadine Gordimer - Untitled
This third signed broadside from the 1982–83 Walker Reading Series offers a glimpse into a formative moment for Minneapolis’s literary landscape.

Produced in small quantities and rarely available today, each broadside carries the imprint of that collaborative spirit, with visual design amplifying the poet’s original text. Valued at $100. Donated by The Loft Literary Center.

From the short story "A View of the River":
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1959/04/11/a-view-of-the-river

Maurice Kenny - "Telephone Call"

A second signed, limited-edition broadside from the 1982–83 Walker Reading Series, showcasing the rich interplay between poetry and design that helped define one of the region’s most influential literary eras. Each piece stands as a testament to how printmaking, literature, and community shaped the Loft’s early creative ecosystem. Valued at $100. Donated by The Loft Literary Center.

Poem not available online.

This curated set of monographs and artist books brings together a range of voices connected to Midway Contemporary Art — one of the Twin Cities’ most vital platforms for experimental and conceptual work — alongside texts that explore the shifting relationship between image, language, and meaning.

Spanning exhibition catalogs, artist monographs, and critical writing, this collection offers a layered encounter with contemporary art practices.

Included in the collection:

• Come and Interrupt Me — a monograph on Nick Mauss’s exhibition Perforations
• ISHTAR — exhibition catalog from Midway Contemporary Art's 2003 group show
• Four Beers and the Rest of the Wine — Bruce Tapola with poems by Adam Caillier
• Image Text Music by Catherine Taylor
• Crater Speak: Notes on Erasure — from Jasper Marsalis’ exhibition
• Can’t Reach Me There — featuring works by Isamu Noguchi and others
• How to Not Fuck Up Your Art-World Happiness — a sharp and irreverent guide to navigating the art world
• MOUTHBREATHER — an experimental catalog from Katelyn Farstad’s exhibition

Some titles are out-of-print or produced in limited runs, making this a rare opportunity to acquire a thoughtful cross-section of contemporary art publishing.

Whether you are a practicing artist, writer, or collector — or simply someone interested in how images and language shape the way we live — this collection offers both substance and provocation.

Valued at $300. Donated by a Friend of the Loft

Give your work the frame it deserves. This $100 certificate to Wet Paint can be applied toward custom picture framing—whether you’re preserving a piece of art, elevating a photograph, or finally finishing a work that’s been waiting for the right presentation.

A longstanding resource for artists in the Twin Cities, Wet Paint is known for its deep expertise, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to the craft behind how work is seen. Their framing services are tailored to the piece itself, balancing protection, proportion, and aesthetic clarity.

For artists, collectors, and anyone who understands that presentation is part of the work, this is a quiet but essential offering.

• $100 certificate toward custom picture framing
• Redeemable at Wet Paint in St. Paul
• May be applied toward a wide range of framing options
• Additional costs beyond $100 are the responsibility of the winner

Valued at $100. Donated by Wet Paint.

An evening of food shaped by story, followed by a book that carries it forward. This offering from Oro by Nixta pairs a $100 dining gift card with a chef-signed copy of Kitchens of Hope: Immigrants Share Stories of Resilience and Recipes from Home—a cookbook that brings together recipes and narratives from chefs whose work reflects migration, memory, and cultural continuity.

At Oro by Nixta, those same ideas take form on the plate. Known for its thoughtful approach to heritage ingredients and technique, the restaurant offers a dining experience rooted in care, craft, and place.

• $100 gift card to Oro by Nixta
• Signed copy of Kitchens of Hope
• Gift card redeemable in accordance with restaurant policies

Valued at $135. Donated by Oro by Nixta.

Step out of routine and into restoration. This offering includes two one-week unlimited passes to beem Light Sauna, a downtown Minneapolis studio focused on the combined benefits of infrared sauna and red light therapy. Designed to support recovery, circulation, and overall well-being, each session offers a quiet, intentional space to reset—physically and mentally.

• Two one-week unlimited passes (may be used individually or shared)
• Access to infrared sauna and red light therapy sessions
• Located in downtown Minneapolis
• Scheduling and use subject to studio policies

Valued at $200. Donated by beem Light Sauna.

Settle into one of the Twin Cities’ most beloved independent cinemas. This bundle from Trylon Cinema includes two movie tickets, a fresh popcorn, and a Trylon hat—an invitation into a space known for its carefully curated programming, repertory screenings, and deep love of film.

Whether you’re revisiting a classic, discovering something unexpected, or simply enjoying a quiet night at the movies, the Trylon offers an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and just a little bit different.

• Two tickets to a screening at the Trylon Cinema
• One popcorn
• One Trylon hat
• Tickets redeemable in accordance with theater policies

Valued at $29. Donated by the Trylon Cinema.

Enjoy a night at the ballpark with the St. Paul Saints, known for their on-field play, offbeat promotions, and loyal local following. From the outfield seats, take in the game, the crowd, and the unmistakable character of Saints baseball.

• Two outfield tickets to a St. Paul Saints game
• Valid for a game in May or June 2026
• Expires June 30, 2026
• Certificate must be redeemed in person in advance
• Subject to availability

Valued at $32. Donated by the St. Paul Saints.

A table, a pint, and a view of the river. Enjoy a relaxed outing at Pryes Brewing Company, one of Minneapolis’s most beloved breweries, known for its craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and patio overlooking the Mississippi River.

Whether you stop in after a long day or gather with friends for a weekend afternoon, Pryes offers an easy kind of atmosphere—unpretentious, lively, and rooted in place.

• $50 gift card to Pryes Brewing Company
• Redeemable for food and beverages
• Valid in accordance with brewery policies

Valued at $50. Donated by Pryes Brewing Company.

This bundle from Inbound Brewing Company includes two branded pint glasses, a brewery t-shirt, and a $50 gift card—everything you need to enjoy Inbound both in-house and at home.

Located in the North Loop, Inbound is known for its laid-back atmosphere, rotating taps, and easygoing energy. Whether you’re stopping in with friends or building out your own at-home setup, this is a simple, satisfying way to stay connected to one of the neighborhood’s go-to spots.

• $50 gift card to Inbound Brewing Company
• Two Inbound Brewing pint glasses
• One branded t-shirt
• Gift card redeemable in accordance with brewery policies

Valued at $100. Donated by Inbound Brewing Company.

Open the door to Minnesota’s past—again and again. This Household Plus membership to the Minnesota Historical Society offers a full year of access to 26 historic sites and museums across the state, inviting you and your guests to explore the stories, places, and people that shape Minnesota.

From historic homes and landmarks to immersive exhibitions, this membership makes it easy to return often, bring others along, and experience history as something lived, not just remembered.

Membership benefits include:

• Free general admission for two adults
• Free admission for children in the household and grandchildren under 18
• Admission for two additional guests per visit
• Access to 26 historic sites and museums statewide
• Subscription to Minnesota History magazine (quarterly)
• Time Travelers reciprocal membership benefits
• Discounts at MNHS stores and cafés
• Invitations to special events

Valid for one year from activation. Valued at $135. Donated by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Enjoy a one-night stay at Aloft Minneapolis, a modern, design-forward hotel located in the Mill District—steps from the Mississippi River and a short walk from the Loft at Open Book.

Whether you’re planning a staycation, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply looking for a night that feels slightly removed from the everyday, this is an easy way to reset without going far.

• One-night stay at Aloft Minneapolis
• Parking included
• Subject to availability; advance reservation required

Valued at $224. Donated by Aloft Minneapolis.

This class certificate from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center offers the chance to learn directly from working artists in one of the Twin Cities’ most distinctive creative spaces.

Known for its focus on blacksmithing, welding, and metal arts, CAFAC invites participants into a practice rooted in material, process, and transformation. Whether you’re trying something entirely new or deepening an existing craft, this is an opportunity to work with fire, metal, and intention—guided by a community built around skill-sharing and creative exploration.

• $100 Certificate valid for one class at Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
• Classes vary by offering and may include blacksmithing, welding, or metal arts
• Redeemable in accordance with class availability and scheduling

Valued at $100. Donated by Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.

This offering includes four vouchers for special exhibitions at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, one of the Twin Cities’ most treasured cultural institutions.

While general admission is always free, these vouchers grant access to Mia’s ticketed exhibitions—where some of the most compelling and focused shows come to life—included their famed In Bloom show.

Bring friends, move through the galleries together, and spend time with work that invites looking, thinking, and conversation.

• Four vouchers for any current or upcoming special exhibition
• Valid in accordance with museum policies and exhibition availability

Valued at $80. Donated by the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

A collection to read, return to, and keep close.

This curated library, assembled by Melinda Ward—Chair of the Loft’s Board—brings together a powerful range of contemporary and foundational works by Black writers. Spanning fiction, poetry, memoir, and cultural criticism, these books reflect distinct voices while speaking to one another across time, place, and form.

Included in the collection are works by:

• Claudia Rankine
• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Isabel Wilkerson
• Zadie Smith
• James McBride
• Ibram X. Kendi
• Alex Haley
• Nelson Mandela
• Tiya Miles
• Terrance Hayes
• Danielle Evans
• and others.

From Citizen and The Water Dancer to Caste, Roots, and The Fraud, this is a collection that moves between personal narrative and collective history, lyric and argument, imagination and record. Valued at $300. Donated by Melinda Ward.

Melinda's curatorial note:
"I am an 81 year old white woman who had the privilege of growing up in a liberal artistic household and participating in the Civil Rights movement. However, that was just the beginning of my learning about the Black experience in America. As publishers and media makers began opening up more opportunities to Black writers and artists, I understood how much more there was to learn. These are some of the books that inspired me. Although I am reluctant to lose them from my shelves, it gives me great pleasure to share them and to make room for a whole new crop of Black authors."

A curated stack of seven books from Graywolf Press, one of the nation's most respected independent literary publishers. This collection highlights Graywolf’s commitment to bold voices and boundary-expanding work, featuring titles across poetry, memoir, translation, and hybrid prose. A wonderful gift for any serious reader or literary enthusiast.

Valued at $200. Donated by Graywolf Press.

A one-of-a-kind set of handmade pottery plates by artist Marcy Woodard, created in honor of poet Andrea Gibson. Each plate carries its own expressive glaze pattern and texture, inviting the warmth and nourishment found in both poetry and communal meals. Valued at $75. Donated by Marcy Woodard, in honor of Andrea Gibson.

This collection from SubText Books brings together a mix of contemporary fiction, cultural commentary, and unexpected finds—books that reflect the sensibility of one of the Twin Cities’ most respected independent bookstores. Included are titles:

• The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski
• This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman
• Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan
• The Humble Pie by John Oswald

Alongside the books, the bundle includes a $25 SubText gift card—an invitation to return, browse, and continue building your own library. Valued at $100. Donated by SubText Books.

Enjoy a table, a glass, and time well spent at Milly’s Wine Bar & Bistro with two $50 gift cards, offering the chance to settle in, share a meal, and explore a thoughtfully curated wine list in one of Minneapolis’s most intimate dining spaces.

Known for its warm atmosphere and attention to detail, as well as its literary aesthetic, Milly’s is the kind of place you go for a quiet dinner, a conversation that lingers, or a night that unfolds without hurry.

• Two $50 gift cards (may be used together or separately)
• Redeemable for food and beverages
• Valid in accordance with restaurant policies

Valued at $100. Donated by Milly’s Wine Bar & Bistro.