UNION ART ALLEY
Special Events
Opera in Union Art Alley
You are cordially invited to an exclusive, fundraising dinner in Union Art Alley, featuring a night of delectable delights, fine wine and artistic wonders.
Join us for a three course dining experience prepared by Chef Mark Hanson of Marx, complemented by exclusive wine pairings, and two live performances by the world renowned and hometown favorite Jack Swanson. As you dine under the stars, you'll also have the chance to admire the work of Union Art Alley artists doing live paintings. Guests will be seated in tables of four.
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Wednesday, July 10th
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Union Art Alley
222 Commercial St.
Stillwater, MN
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Space is limited, kindly register by July 2, 2024
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you.
Please see additional event details below.
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Expert Bio's
Ashley Hausman MW
Came into the wine industry in 2008 while completing her Masters in English
and American Literature at New York University. She earned her CSW through the Society of
Wine Educators, gained certification as a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers,
and then attained her Diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust before passing the
rigorous Master of Wine exam on her first attempt in 2017. She is one of only about 50 with this
certification in the United States - and the only in Minnesota!
Mark Hanson,
The GOAT, and the fuel behind the Stillwater food revolution, has come out of retirement to cook up some of his most memorable flavors!
Jack Swanson
Stillwater, Minnesota native Jack Swanson is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young tenors in the opera world. During the shortened 2019-20 season, Jack performed with the Frankfurt Opera as Rodrigo in Rossini’s Otello, then as Belmonte in Die Entführung aus dem Serail with Opera Omaha. In the 2018-19 season, his roles included Nemorino in L’Elisir d’Amore with the Norwegian Opera, Sam Kaplan in Street Scene with Oper Köln, the title-role in Candide for concert performances in Paris and Marseille, and Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville with Portland Opera. Jack has also performed with the Glyndebourne Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Orchestre National de Lille, Winter Opera St. Louis, OperaMemphis, Opera Delaware, and Garsington Opera.
Jack is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Rice University. He spent two years as an apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera and two summers as a young artist with The Seagle Music Colon
Gretchen
An active collaborative pianist in the Twin Cities and owner of Yellow House Studio, where she teaches and coaches students age 6 to 85.
Gretchen has worked with Trinity Lutheran Church, the Valley Chamber Chorale, Minnehaha Academy Upper School Music Department, and is currently the pianist for the Stillwater Area High School Choirs. She collaborates frequently with the St. Croix Valley Opera, including serving as a faculty member for their Summer Vocal Institute.
She is a piano performance graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, and is currently a student in the piano pedagogy masters program at the University of St. Thomas, where she is a student of Vanessa Cornett.
Gretchen lives with her husband Mike in Stillwater.
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Don't Miss the amazing event from our friends at St. Croix Valley Opera -
Opera on the River 2024 Festival!
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Experience the magic of St. Croix Valley Opera's Opera on the River 2024 Festival, returning to the picturesque banks of the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater! Join us for a month of festivities, including St. Croix Valley Opera's 4th Annual Opera on the River Vocal Competition on June 29th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Downtown Hudson, WI. The festival culminates with the Opera on the River Grand Concert on July 27th at 7:30 pm in the park as well, a free event open to all!
For an even more luxurious experience, upgrade to our VIP packages with box seating, charcuterie boxes by That Girl Brie, and alcohol-removed wine also available. Limited packages are available - reserve yours today!
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