Mary Matthews explores the relationship between the individual and the natural world. Utilizing materials such as maps, bird nests, feathers, leaves, roots, and other natural remnants, Matthews designs and constructs intricate and ambitious sculptures, often in the form of gowns which depict places, worn spiritually, and with reverence.
Matthews is in residence at McColl Center for Art + Innovation as part of the Rasmuson Artist Residency Program. Matthews will explore and investigate Charlotte to develop an understanding of how Charlotteans move, connect, and respond to place as a growing urban center.
Matthews earned a B.A. in art from Beloit College in Wisconsin and then went on to study art therapy at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She has spent many years working in the field of disabilities and has been the Director of Disability Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for the past 14 years. She is the recipient of a Rasmuson project grant, a UAF People’s Endowment Award, and a successfully funded United States Artists crowdsourced-funded project, matched by the Rasmuson Foundation.