Here's an opportunity you won't find anywhere else.

Join acclaimed artist, writer, and internet phenomenon Geo Rutherford and one of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum's curators for a three-course dinner at Nosh Scratch Kitchen Saturday of New Look Weekend, October 3, 2026. Spend the evening in relaxed conversation exploring art, water, storytelling, science, creativity, and wherever the discussion naturally flows.

Known for building a devoted online community as the creator of Spooky Lake Month, a popular video series with millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Geo rarely offers experiences like this. In fact, she does not typically participate in private dinners, making this a truly one of a kind opportunity available only through this auction.

Included with the dinner are tickets to the opening party to her on Friday night, October 2, 2026 and FRONT ROW reserved seats for Geo's artist talk October 3, Saturday at 1:00pm. To make it easy on the winner, one of each of her books will be provided and you can have them signed during dinner.

Geo is the author/illustrator of two books, the New York Times best selling Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet (2024) and the forthcoming Spooky Rivers: 25 Strange and Mysterious Rivers That Snake Across Our Planet (September 2026 release). Her exhibition, Geo Rutherford: Spooky Waters of the World, runs August 1, 2026 to February 14, 2027 at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum."

Whether you're an art lover, a science enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys great conversation over an exceptional meal, this promises to be an unforgettable evening.

• This exclusive experience was generously donated by Geo Rutherford, NOSH Scratch Kitchen, and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Enjoy this watercolor painting by Minnesota artist and architect Kar-Keat Chong. Kar-Keat is a National Watercolor Society inductee and MMAM exhibiting artist.

Medium:

Ink and Watercolor on Rice Paper

Frame Size:

20" x 16"

professionally framed with archival mat and conservation clear UV protective glass

This artwork was created during the public demonstration at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum's (MMAM) inaugural Plein Air event in the fall of 2023. Unfamiliar with the Winona area, Kar-Keat Chong chose the famed boathouses of Winona at Latch Island as the site for his demonstration, embracing the spirit of discovery that is central to plein air painting.

As he explored the island, he was drawn to a quiet trio of boathouses nestled along its western shoreline, framed by the graceful span of the Winona Bridge in the distance. Brilliant autumn foliage brought warmth and vibrancy to the scene, contrasting beautifully with the weathered structures and calm waters. The painting captures more than a picturesque riverside setting, it reflects the experience of encountering a place for the first time, finding beauty in the unexpected, and preserving that fleeting moment through ink and watercolor. It is both a portrait of the landscape and a memory of discovery.

Paper collage on 16" x 20" wrapped canvas. Inspired by 1940s poem by her grandmother, Ruth Malgren Bonini.

Medium:

Paper collage on wrapped canvas

Overall Size:

20" x 16"

professionally framed with archival mat and conservation clear UV protective glass

As a child in La Crescent, Minnesota where she still resides, Leanne cut out images of clothing and people from the J.C. Penney catalog to make her own paper dolls. In high school and college (business major, not art) she doodled in the margins of class notebooks and painted an occasional picture for a friend. 

While her three sons were young, she didn't make time for much art other than what she could do with them (they made some pretty impressive Lego creations!) 

Leanne’s 26-year career as the Marketing & Development Director for the Children's Museum of La Crosse, Wisconsin allowed her to be creative in many of her work tasks. Since her 2023 retirement from this position, she has more time to make and admire art.

Leanne enjoys trying new mediums. Her current favorites are paper collage, handmade greeting cards and covered journals, and copper on enamel jewelry. 

She has participated in two extended work-study programs at the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. There, she took classes and exhibited in watercolor and oil painting, calligraphy and collage, enameling, printmaking, wood marquetry, metalworking, and fused glass.

In addition to her presence at River City Gallery, Leanne has exhibited at Gallery 24 (Rochester MN), Gallery M, Tin Cat Studio (Amery, WI), and the Pump House Regional Arts Center (La Crosse, WI). She welcomes commissions for custom work. 

Donated by Leanne Poellinger

Wet Paint, our incredible art supply store sponsor in Saint Paul, MN is celebrating 50 years in business!

They are offering as a basket a Nahvalur Original Plus fountain pen, an A5 Leuchtturm A5 size 80g/m acid-free plain sketching notebook, a $50 gift card, Dominant Industry 25ml Lake color ink and, two 50th anniversary stickers.

Our friends at Ecker's Apple Farm are donating three 4-packs of Cider: HumStinger, Fat Blossom Girls, Buzz Cut Cider. Also included are four tickets to their Honeycrisp Hootenanny on October 10, 2026 in Trempealeau, WI.

Enjoy these two Magic: The Gathering Theme decks with two play booster packs donated by JimmyJams in Winona.

Heather of JimmyJams is excited to partner with MMAM on the Magic: The Gathering art exhibition coming in February 2027.

These Minnesota Dolomite Limestone bookends quarried minutes from downtown Winona would make for the perfect holders to your growing, totally normal and healthy for an adult and never needs downsizing, book collection.

Donated by Biesanz Stone

These Minnesota Dolomite Limestone bookends quarried minutes from downtown Winona will help you get that towering stack of books on your desk actually on the shelf and arranged looking great.

Donated by Biesanz Stone

These Minnesota Dolomite Limestone bookends quarried minutes from downtown Winona would make for the perfect holders to your growing, totally normal and healthy for an adult and never needs downsizing, book collection.

Donated by Biesanz Stone

These earrings are black onyx, sterling silver and brass.

Donated by Jovy Rockey

This sterling silver and eudialyte pendant necklace sits on a 24" sterling silver chain.

Donated by Jovy Rockey

These earrings are made out of sterling silver and amethyst.

Donated by Jovy Rockey

A class for two to Hand-Sewn Leather: Everyday Goods taught by Dan Horan of Merchant Leather.

This fun, entry-level workshop introduces you to the timeless craft of hand-stitching leather. No prior experience required. Dan will walk you through the fundamentals of working with leather by hand – marking, punching, and saddle stitching your way through one medium project or two smaller ones. Everything is pre-cut and ready to go, so from the moment you sit down you’re making something. You’ll select your project and leather color at the start of class from an assortment of 25+ projects, including wallets, coin purses, belts, sunglass cases, key chains, clutches, and more. All tools and materials are provided.

Class takes place at Winona Creators Collective, a new community  makerspace with tools and workshop space dedicated towards art, STEM, and invention.

Class donated by our friends at Winona Creators Collective

You've heard of the Black Card. Now meet the Black Card.

With this exclusive black (coffee) card, you'll enjoy one regular coffee every week for an entire year at Waterbar Cafe + Provisions. Make the museum your weekly ritual, your remote office or your favorite place to catch up with friends. Whether you're stopping in before work, taking a midday break or lingering after a gallery visit, the Blue Card gives you 52 reasons to make the Minnesota Marine Art Museum your gathering place.

One punch per week. Valid for one regular brewed coffee each week for one year.

Whether you're dreaming of a colorful flower garden, planning a productive vegetable patch, or looking to solve persistent landscaping challenges, this two hour consultation with a Certified Master Gardener will help your garden thrive.

Receive personalized advice tailored to your property's unique conditions, including plant selection, garden design, soil health, pest management, pruning, and seasonal care. Whether you're just getting started or have years of gardening experience, you'll leave with practical recommendations and renewed inspiration for your outdoor space.

Valid within a 20-mile radius of Winona, MN and valid for up to 1-year from your win.

Donated by Laura Armstrong

Discover something new, get creative, and make lasting memories together. This certificate includes admission for two people to a future workshop at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Whether you're interested in watercolor, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, or another hands on creative experience, you'll have the opportunity to choose from MMAM's diverse lineup of workshops led by talented artists and instructors. No matter your skill level, there's a class waiting to inspire you.

Bring a friend and create something extraordinary together. View upcoming workshops at mmam.org/workshops.

Limitation: now through end of 2027 workshop.

Mist clings to the river at dawn. Ancient bluffs tower overhead, their weathered faces concealing forgotten tombs and hidden caverns. Somewhere beneath the dark waters, an old power begins to stir...

Will your story be the one bards sing for generations?

This auction item grants you and your fellow adventurers (4–6 players) a private, expertly guided Dungeons & Dragons adventure lasting 3-4 hours from acclaimed dungeon master Sam Zierden Shortridge. Whether you're seasoned heroes or brand-new explorers, your journey will be crafted to match your group's experience and interests.

Before your quest begins, your Dungeon Master (DM) will guide you through bringing your hero to life, from noble knights and cunning rogues to mysterious wizards and fearless barbarians. No prior experience is required, all experience levels are welcome.

Gather your companions and set forth along forgotten waterways, explore ancient sanctuaries carved into the bluffs, bargain with enigmatic river spirits, and uncover secrets long swallowed by the current. Every choice you make will shape the legend that follows.

Your Adventure Includes:

• One private, expertly guided 3-4-hour Dungeons & Dragons adventure for 4–6 players
• Personalized character creation assistance for every player
• A custom adventure inspired by mighty rivers, towering bluffs, forgotten legends, and the whims of your unique adventuring party
• An epic tale filled with roleplay, exploration, peril, and heroic triumph
• a charcuterie tray provided by Waterbar Cafe + Provisions

Value: $600, Expiration Date: Winter Solstice 2026

The river is calling.

The current carries more than water...

Will you answer the call to adventure?

Donated by Sam Zierden Shortridge

Bring the adventure of Star Wars: The Mandalorian home with this impressive 30 inch Mandalorian Big Figs collectible. Standing over two and a half feet tall, this highly detailed figure is perfect for young fans ready for imaginative adventures or collectors looking for an eye catching display piece.

With multiple points of articulation, kids can recreate their favorite scenes or invent new missions across the galaxy. Whether it becomes the centerpiece of a bedroom, playroom, or Star Wars collection, this oversized Mandalorian is sure to make a big impression.

Dimensions:

5.875" W × 12.5" L × 30.5" H

Weight: 5.9 lbs

Generously donated by Shu Shu Papa.

Escape to the peaceful backwaters of the Mississippi River with a two night stay in a charming tiny home at Prairie Island Campground. Nestled just minutes from the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, this one of a kind retreat is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of the Driftless Region.

Limitation: 2027 season only, May 15-October 15, 2027. Some blackout dates may apply.

Generously donated by Anne Conway

The Old Tiger restaurant is pleased to donate a special dining experience for two guests featuring a three-course chef-selected dinner prepared by the restaurant’s culinary team and accompanied by a thoughtfully curated three-wine pairing selected by owner and sommelier Peter Beard.

This exclusive experience offers guests the opportunity to enjoy The Old Tiger’s hospitality, cuisine, and wine expertise through a memorable evening designed especially for the winning bidder.

Estimated Market Value: $300