In the art business, relationships are everything! I am deeply appreciative of all the fabulous relationships I've developed over the years with interior designers like Ann Sherrill of Rusticks in Cashiers, NC.  Rustics has been the premier interior design firm for luxury mountain homes for over 20 years throughout Highlands, Cashiers and Lake Toxaway. Having the opportunity to work with the Rusticks team means a lot to me and says a lot to my clients; quality, elegance and beauty.

This June, I was invited to have a solo trunk show at Rusticks to share my work with their clients and friends.  The day was fabulous and I thought I'd share a few images here! Enjoy!

For years, I've had the privilege to work with the Omni Grove Park Inn's stellar staff to feature my work in and around the hotel.  GPI is one of the oldest and most prestigious 5-star hotel resorts in the country and the best part is, it's located just minutes from my studio right here in Asheville, North Carolina.

Recently, I was asked to create a special piece for the hotel's award-winning spa and of course I agreed. Hopefully, it's the first of many more!  Here's the picture above.  I hope you enjoy!

A Great Space for Art
The fireplace is the centerpiece of every room. With furniture gathered around a hearth. and usually located somewhere as to provide heat to the room, the fireplace is an area where people gather and relax. It is a space where you will spend lots of time and it is where you will do everything from nap alone to entertain large groups.

Rustic Sculpture: Classic and Contemporary
Rustic sculpture can classify a large variety of work. From completely contemporary artists creating abstract things, to classic mountain styles that have been, and will continue to be, popular among mountain communities, rustic sculpture is a broad classification. Check out these wonderful artists below to learn more about rustic sculptures.

During this two day workshop, this lovely group of students learned how to harvest, prepare and weave the inner and outer barks of poplar and mimosa trees. We completed two woven baskets and had the chance to make a couple of bark buckets as well. Though all of these women had some great experience with weaving already, weaving with bark was a whole new territory which was fun to explore!

On day one, I demonstrated and taught the group how to remove the rough outer bark from poplar and mimosa trees we had cut down and brought to the studio. We then sliced and collected the inner barks of each sapling, allowing us to roll up what we collected to dry and use for weaving. 

From time to time, groups will stop by the gallery to learn more about how Matt weaves and finishes his sculptural baskets. An avid teacher, Matt loves to share any of his weaving wisdom with visitors in the studio and anyone who is interested in learning more about basketry and how he creates his basket art.