I am a Portland, Oregon–based artist with deep roots in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and ancestral ties to Lesja, Norway. I studied Media Arts & Animation at the Art Institute of Minnesota, where I developed the technical foundation that continues to shape my work.

Over the years I have shared a gallery space in Uptown Minneapolis, exhibited in numerous group and solo shows, sold work online, and completed many portrait commissions. As a freelance artist I have also created concept art and illustrations for a range of clients.

My practice moves between observation and invention — painting and drawing people, animals, and landscapes in styles that range from tightly realistic to freely imaginative. Drawn equally to the quiet details of the natural world and the unexpected turns of the imagination, my work invites viewers into spaces that feel both familiar and newly discovered.

I am now preparing to open a gallery in Dombås, Norway, where I will continue creating and exhibiting original works while offering classes, commissions, and prints.

Chris Bahn

Artist Resume

Selected Exhibitions & Professional Activity

Shared gallery space, Uptown Minneapolis (2006)

Gigi’s Art Gallery, Calhoun Square, Minneapolis (2007–2009)

Portrait drawing kiosk, Mall of America (2008)

Peoples Art of Portland – various exhibitions (2015–2016)

First Thursday art walks, Union Way, Portland (2018–2019)

Ongoing display at a luxury brand retail store (2021–Present)

Commissions

Portrait commissions of people, families, and pets (2014–Present)

Education

2000–2004

Art Institute of Minnesota

Media Arts & Animation

Full Professional Timeline

2003–2006

Created and sold handmade sculptures and paintings through GypsyGirlShop on eBay

Created concept art and 3-D models for QUICK3D.com

2006

Shared an art gallery with Gigi Fingerhut

2827 Hennepin Avenue, Uptown Minneapolis

2007–2009

Displayed and sold paintings at Gigi’s Art Gallery, Calhoun Square, Minneapolis

2008

Drew realistic charcoal and pencil portraits at a kiosk in the Mall of America

2009

Freelance medical procedure illustrations and animations for the Mayo Clinic

2013–2019

Sold original works on eBay and prints through FineArtAmerica.com

2014–Present

Portrait commissions of people, families, and pets

2015–2016

Displayed and sold select works at Peoples Art of Portland

2018–2019

Displayed and sold artwork during First Thursday art walks at Union Way, Portland

2021–2023

Focused on developing new skills and building a substantial inventory of original artwork

2021–Present

Display works at a luxury brand retail store