Leon Huscha (born in 1946)

 

Leon Hushcha’s art is undeniably unique.

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​Regardless of genre, all of Hushcha's works express an unmistakable joie de vivre, making him one of the most distinctive of Twin Cities' artists.

​Freedom of expression has been his lifelong pursuit and passion. Hushcha has long been regarded as an expressionist and superb colorist.  His attention to surface and devotion to flat space is uncommon and gives his work a distinct identity.  In addition to creating a prolific body of paintings and drawings, stylistically Leon’s creative vision easily crosses over from smaller to large scale works, which can be seen throughout St. Paul and Minneapolis. Hushcha paints with acrylic and oil on canvas, wood, found materials and paper.  He credits Antoni Tàpies, Eugène Delacroix, Paul Klee, Matisse and Picasso as artist influences.

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​​Leon Hushcha, who is of Ukrainian descent, was born in 1946 in Villach, Austria, where his family lived in a displaced persons (DP) camp before immigrating to the United States in 1950 (St. Paul, Minnesota).  He began drawing and painting at the age of five and has not stopped since.   Hushcha graduated with a B.F.A in painting from Minneapolis College of Art (now MCAD) in 1968.  While at MCAD he received the Rothschild Award for Excellence.  In 1971 he received an M.F.A. in painting from the University of Minnesota.  Hushcha later taught painting at both institutions.

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​Over the last five decades, Leon has created a devoted following of collectors.  He takes pride in making Minneapolis his home where he lives with his wife, Sally Wheaton Hushcha.

 

​His work is showcased at Hushcha Studio and is displayed in numerous public and private collections including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Weisman Museum (Minneapolis), Plains Art Museum (Fargo, North Dakota), Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, MoZaic Building (Minneapolis), Lake Calhoun Center (Minneapolis), Copham Building (Minneapolis), Village Lofts at St. Anthony Falls (Minneapolis) and General Mills Corporation (Minneapolis).  His most recent public exhibition was at The Museum of Russian Art in south Minneapolis December 2nd, 2023 - March 3rd 2024.