MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Man Charged in Theft of Approximately $50,000 in Artwork From Minneapolis Studio

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 22, 2026) A Minneapolis man faces a felony burglary charge after investigators recovered artwork reported stolen from a North Loop studio in June.

The criminal complaint alleges that two people entered artist Leon Hushcha’s gallery at approximately 6:45 a.m. June 2 with an empty cart. Surveillance video reportedly showed one of the individuals wearing a UPS-style vest.

About 30 minutes later, the two left with the cart loaded and covered by a black sheet, according to the complaint. Investigators said the burglars pried open a rear door and used the building’s fire escape to remove the artwork.

A person later contacted police and identified one of the suspects. Officers searched a Saint Paul storage unit rented by that suspect and recovered a substantial portion of the missing collection.

One defendant has been charged with third-degree burglary. He was not in custody when the charge was reported. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted.

Police returned several recovered paintings to the studio with evidence tags still attached. Hushcha plans to include the returned works in an exhibition scheduled for September.

Four paintings, dozens of smaller prints and several ceramic pieces remained missing when the artist and his assistant spoke publicly about the recovery.

The total value of the stolen artwork was estimated at approximately $50,000.

Hushcha immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in 1949 and has produced and exhibited artwork for approximately six decades. His work has been sold throughout the country.

Authorities have not announced whether the second person seen in the surveillance recording has been identified or charged. Anyone with information about the remaining artwork should contact Minneapolis police.

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