Why I Won't Be Teaching in 2020...
You may know I started an artist mentoring program called "Created to Thrive" a few years ago and I'm happy to say, it's grown more than I could have ever imagined. Currently, we have almost 1200 members around the world in just about every creative medium imaginable (not to mention over 17K in my Facebook group and over 200K downloads of my podcast which is only 18 mos old). This subscription-based program and community (along with books, a podcast and live events) enable me to equip artists who want to grow spiritually, artistically and as they build their art business. It's continues to be very rewarding and I now have a team of 5 people who help me run this business. This is my ultimate calling - to raise up an army of artists all over the world. My own art journey is the vehicle God has used to do this in my life and I am grateful. However, as my mentoring business has grown it's limited my ability to create the amount of artwork that I have in years past. Moving forward, I've decided to make some changes and I wanted to let you know. 1) Open Gallery/Studio Hours: Thursday - Saturday and by appointment. 2) I'll be taking a limited amount of commissions in 2020. 3) I won't be teaching basketry classes in 2020 but will revisit this possibility for 2021. Also, for those of you who enjoy attending the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands every July, don't worry - I'll be there! As I seek to balance my world, know that I'll be investing my time in areas where I experience the most joy and have the most impact. Artistically, my focus will be creating work that I'm passionate about, taking more walks in the woods, cultivating inspiration in my own life and reconnecting to my own creativity. Of course, I'll continue to sell my work, just not in the volume I've done in the past. I've even started painting and am excited to see where this goes as well. I'm committed to living life in the "unforced rhythms of grace." I just wanted to bring everyone up to date with where things are with me and say how grateful I am to have you in my life. Your support and patronage over the years continue to be a source of inspiration for me each day! If you want to be notified when I start teaching again, please add your name to the email form below. Sincerely, Matt Tommey |
"Matt is a really fine teacher! Just the right amount of challenge for me." H. Rosson, Recent Beginning Student. "Very Helpful! Best basketry class I've ever taken! I really enjoyed learning about weaving with natural materials. Matt is a great teacher! He achieves a good balance between teaching good technique while encouraging individual expression and creativity." M. Carter, Recent Experienced Student. "Thanks again for one of the most fun weekends I've had in ages. I definitely have the basket weaving bug now and need to figure out how to continue learning until I can get back to Asheville for one of your classes. You are really an incredible master of your craft and such a patient and fun teacher." Donna from Virginia |