Alex is originally from New York; spent fifteen years in Baltimore; and now lives in Denver, Colorado. He earned his BA in Art History and Studio Art from Princeton University. He earned is MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Heilner has exhibited, published, and screened his work nationally and internationally. He has been awarded numerous residencies and prizes, including the prestigious Baker Artist Award, and he was named Baltimore’s Best Photographer in 2012. He is best known for his aerial lanscape photography and videos, which chronicle the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin, as well as other points of interaction between human infrastructure and the natural environment.
Heilner seeks to build safe and critical spaces for students to take creative risks, knowing they will be supported through their tribulations and successes. His favorite part of working at RMCAD is the diverse and accepting community of students and faculty. Alex values bold creativity in all forms, and finds particular interest where elite and populist modes collide and inform one another. He has been known to frequent immersive theme parks, international soccer matches, Black Rock City, and concerts from the Boss to the Beths to Bikini Kill.
