Original artwork: "Fire on the River" by Patti Walsh

This one-of-a-kind painting was created by Minnesota abstract artist Patti Walsh in honor of our great river. "Fire on the River" is acrylic on canvas and measures 21.5" x 17.5" with frame.

Artist statement. My work is filtered through my road-weary sometimes jaded and warped mind with a unique "woman-elder" perspective. It's pure feeling, mainly allowing chaos to self-organize into a form that might be understood visually - as I evolve and learn to understand that visual art expresses what we know without words but with experiences and sensory understanding.

As I approach a new piece of work. I typically have a process where colors are decided and I just let loose on the canvas with nothing in my logic mind and let my angst, joy, frustration, silliness, or a thousand other feelings dictate the movement of the work. It's enjoyable to learn how people perceive the finished pieces and tell me what they feel I might have been thinking; sometimes they're spot on, sometimes not so much; I love for people to get their own feelings from my work and interpret in their own ways.

Artwork details.

A pair of handcrafted, quality Red Wing Heritage boots

A bespoke gift from our friends downstream! Since 1905, Red Wing Shoes has been making footwear by hand, steps from the Mississippi River in Red Wing, MN. With every pair, they deliver on an enduring commitment to quality, attention to detail, and durability.

The winner of this item chooses the size and model of one pair of boots currently available on the Red Wing Heritage website, redwingshoes.com/heritage, with a value of up to $400.

Included with the boots are three pairs of colorful and comfortable handmade wool and bamboo socks. This special donation comes courtesy of our FMR staffer Monica Bierma's 91 year-old mother who has been knitting since she was four years old. The handmade socks are machine wash only and women size 8.

Mesmic Movement gift certificate and Patagonia gear

Located in downtown Saint Paul, Mesmic Movement offers yoga, meditation, Jikiden Reiki, and Thai massage. Mesic Movement owner Emily Rose began her business with the goal to recognize movement of body, mind, and energy, as well as the movement of our society and culture, and believing those things are deeply connected. With a focus on mental health and mindfulness in every class, Emily Rose invites presence and purpose into every style that she teaches.

This package includes a $100 gift certificate to Mesmic Movement, as well as two Patagonia Upcycle Pouches. The limited edition, handcrafted, small Patagonia Simple Pouch is repurposed from upcycled Patagonia rainwear into a functional, weather-resistant, one-of-a-kind bag - perfect for carrying all your essentials when headed to the yoga studio.

Enjoy a basket filled with fun local and river-themed treats, libations, and puzzles. You and a friend can explore St. Paul with gift cards to Bang Brewing and Candyland or simply stay home and enjoy River Road wine by the fire while you work on a Mississippi River puzzle or two. This cotton rope basket includes:

• $25 Candyland gift card
• 2 Bang Brewing growler tokens
• 1 bottle of River Road Wine Chardonnay
• 1 bottle of River Road Wine Pinot Noir
• 1 jigsaw puzzle of the Mississippi River
• 1 puzzle of Lower St. Anthony Fall Lock and Dam