Annie Hejny

The heart of my work is connecting with nature.

I create abstract, acrylic textured paintings with collected water and sediment from significant freshwater sources in the Midwest and beyond. My techniques emulate the natural flow and erosion occuring at these shorelines. The physicality of collecting and incorporating such materials is a critical part of how I embody and translate what nature is telling me.

Since 2015, I’ve developed an extensive body of work comprising more than 100 pieces held in private collections across 30 states and internationally, as well as public art collections including Target Corporation, Hilton Corporation, Minnesota Vikings Art Collection, Minnesota Marine Art Museum and the University of St. Thomas.

Creating commissioned artwork for clients is an important part of my artistic practice. To date, I’ve completed over 70 commissioned projects for private collectors, galleries and public institutions, locally and nationwide, partnering with BV Studios (Minneapolis), Valerio Dewalt Train Architects (Chicago), Eaton Fine Art (Austin), University of Minnesota Mill City Clinic (Minneapolis), Anne McDonald Design (Minneapolis, MN), Art&Field (Chicago), and more.

I live and work between Brooklyn, NY ...

BA Studio Art | University of St. Thomas

Select Exhibitions:

- Where Water Meets Industry, MADE Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, NY (2026)
- Witness to Change: Interpreting Climate Data, Climate Imaginarium, New York, NY (2026)
- Salt of a Lost Winter, Sustainability Arts Gallery, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN (2026)
- I Feel, A Disturbance, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI (2025)
- Salt of a Lost Winter, Viewpoint Gallery, St. Paul, MN (2025)
- Imminent Change | Rising Potential, Kolman & Reeb Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (2024)
- 5 x 5, The Martin, Chicago, IL (2023)
- When the Water Calls Me Back, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN (2022)
- Betula, Form + Content Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (2019)
- Foraged, Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (2019)
- Waterlines, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona, MN (2018)