About Stephen Henning

1976 - 1995  

I had an extensive career as an art director, graphic designer and creative director for a number of agencies and corporations based in the Twin Cities, winning several awards.

1995  

I started painting full time.   I started organizing the Evansville Arts Coalition, which was incorporated in 1996. I participated in the Artists in Education Conference; it was sponsored by COMPAS and Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAD).

1996  

My first public exhibit opening, held at Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, set an attendance and sales record.  This led to Honorary Director status. I was Artist-in-Residence at Ashby and Minnewaska Public Schools; many other residency programs were soon to follow.

2002  

Larry Winn (founder of Winn Devon) started marketing my work internationally through Grand Image.

2005-2006  

I was juried into the American Impressionist Society and the Oil Pastel Society, and subsequent annual exhibits at various prestigious locations.

2007  

I attained signature status in the Oil Pastel Society.

I have had numerous public exhibits in prominent commercial galleries, I have sold originals to collectors in all 50 states and on three continents.  

2008

I have withdrawn from gallery representation.  Currently I am represented by Grand Image, based in Seattle, and American Art Resources, based in Texas.

2010  

I had a significant injury to my painting hand, requiring the thumb to be surgically re-attached.  Since then I have been painting only part time, and selling art only on a commission basis.   Instead, my creative focus has been on working with digital media.

Over the past two decades I have been artist-in-residence at many area schools, and have taught workshops for art clubs and organizations from Minnesota to Illinois.  I have also served on the board of directors for COMPAS, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, Evansville Arts Coalition, and currently serve Art of the Lakes Association.