I always love it when I get to create something special for folks in Georgia.  Why, you ask?  Cause I'm a Georgia boy, born and bred!  People often ask me if I'm from the mountains and I always tell them no, but I got here as quick as  I could!

This client was a recent visitor to Asheville while staying at the lovely Omni Grove Park Inn.  She saw my work on display there and contacted me to create a wall hanging for their home in Fort Valley, Georgia - you may know as the Peach Capital of Georgia.

​Anyway, I think it turned out really nciely and can't wait to get a picture to share here of it's forever home once they have it installed.

Finding an art class in Asheville, North Carolina is not something you have to look too far for, but finding a one that incorporates the elements of art, design, sculpture, natural materials and basketry can only be found in one place... my studio!

Since the early 1990's, I've been teaching people how to use basketry to express their own unique artistic aesthetic and desire to create.  Whether you're a total novice or someone who has worked in basketry prevously, you'll find my 2 day classes both challenging and rewarding.

One of the great things about taking a 2-day art class at my studio is meeting students from around the country.  My art classes include time to get to know other students while enjoying the creative process. I also provide things like a catered lunch and written instructions to ensure all my studets have a wonderful experience.

During 2017, I am offering 6 different two-day workshops in the following areas:

• March 31-April 1, 2017: Coiling with Kudzu & Iris Foliage
• May 5-6, 2017: Rustic Rib Baskets with Vines & Branches
• June 2-3, 2017: Twill & Twine Basketry with Bark
• August 4-5, 2017: Twining with Kudzu, Iris & Bark
• September 29-30, 2017: Sculpural Vessels with Kudzu, Bark & Copper
• December 1-2, 2017: Kudzu Harvesting & Random Weaving 

Each two-day workshop is held from 10am-4pm in my studio, located in Asheville's River Arts District - home to over 200 working artists in 23 old warehouse buildings.  Our space is wheelchair accessible and easy to find in the Riverview Station building, right in front of the new 12 Bones Barbeque.

To find out more details and register online for one of my Asheville Art Classes, please visit http://www.matttommey.com/basket-weaving-classes.html

It's not every day that you get to create a 9' wall sculpture for a new multi-million medical and educational facility but that's what happened.  In a wonderful partnership with Pardee Hospital, Wingate University and Blue Ridge Community College, along with the Gallery at Flat Rock, I was invited to create a very special wall hanging that is now the centerpiece of the entrance of the new Cancer Center at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

I visited the space with gallery owner, Suzi Ball and was impressed with the overall design features of the space, aesthetics and sheer size.  Yes, it's huge and yet the space is very warm and inviting.  

In creating a large scale sculpture for a commercial space such as this, I had to keep several things in mind including scale, where it would be viewed from, how it would me mounted and of course, cleaned.  Everything came together beautifully and the day after the installation I was invited to participate in the dedication of this special space.

Who knows what the future holds, but I would love to create some more sculpture for these commercial spaces.