Birds of a Feather: Anna Helgeson

Upstairs Artspace is proud to present Birds of a Feather, a group exhibition on view from April 19 through May 29, 2026.

Anna creates expressive, politically charged photographs, paintings, and performances informed by the strangeness of being alive.

Growing up as a feral child in the woods of northern Wisconsin, Anna’s most formative memories are filled with trees, mud puddles, and wild creatures. Her parents moved back to the land in the mid 1970s to start an organic farming commune. They were outspoken environmentalists, civil rights activists and pacifists. The small town was conservative with little appreciation for godless weirdos (as they were called).

Anna received a BA from Ripon College, and an MFA (Cum Laude) from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

She has exhibited, performed, and lectured throughout the United States including: The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts (Highlands, NC), John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center (Cullowhee, NC), Holden Gallery (Swannanoa, NC),The Asheville Art Museum (Asheville, NC), The University of North Carolina, Asheville (Asheville, NC), Revolve Gallery (Asheville, NC), Work Gallery (Detroit, MI), The Milwaukee Art Museum, Lucky Star Gallery (Milwaukee, WI), The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Union Gallery, and is featured on the website “Reframing Photography; Theory and Practice” (Routledge Press).

Socials: @awefulphotos

Website: www.annahelgeson.com

Title: Le Monocle

Medium: Archival Pigment Print

Dimensions: 13 x 19 inches

Date: 2025

Price: NFS