A Dream Come True

Someone pinch me!

10 years ago, at the very beginning of my own painting journey, I happened upon Annie Young’s solo show.  (I found a flyer for her art show at my local Nothing Bundt Cakes!)  I was overwhelmed to say the least. I walked right up to her paintings, nose just inches from the canvas. The brushstrokes, the colors, the shapes – you could see the energy in them – the decisions, the risk, the confidence. They felt alive and they were feeding me inspiration. I wasn’t just looking at paintings, I was witnessing conviction.

Photo of Annie Young's art show at the Ames Center in Bloomington, Minnesota, 2017

I snapped some pictures of her work to keep as a source of motivation and hope – never in a million years imagining our paths would one day cross.

Fast forward to 2024.  I’m sitting in my art booth and guess who wanders in... Annie! I leaned over to my husband and whisper-screamed, “That’s ANNIE YOUNG!”  Of course I freaked out and shared on social media that Annie visited MY booth! 

Anna and Annie meet at Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, 2024

Fast forward again. Annie invites ME to exhibit alongside her at Frameworks Gallery in St. Paul. WHAT?!  It felt like a moment the universe had been patiently arranging all along.

Now I am living in a reality where Annie and I are planning our upcoming art exhibit: Memory Lane. This show is rooted in connection and inspiration. It is a celebration of full-circle moments, creative lineage, and the powerful ways that we shape one another.

Annie is someone who inspires. A true gift to the world. To go from fan-girl to friend is an honor.

Annie and Anna planning Memory Lane, 2026

Oh there's more to this story!

It was 2019, I still hadn't even touched oil paints - waaay too scary.  I wanted to make the jump to oils but I didn't know where to start.  By the grace of Pablo Picasso, my eyes found their way to Heather Friedli's oil paintings at a local art show. I found out that she had a solo show at Frameworks Gallery. I was scared to go, but I went anyway.  I was mesmerized by Heather's works, covering a 70 foot wall. The gallery was glowing, the patrons were chatting, and I was just a girl, dreaming that maybe someday I will have a show here.

Annie and Anna at the Artist Reception of their art exhibition: Memory Lane on March 14, 2026 at Frameworks Gallery in St. Paul, Minnesota