Invitational Art Exhibition, June 4 - July 27
"Kestrel Web" by Matt Doyle
Matt Doyle
Local artists Trish Stevenson and Afton Ray have gathered a treasure trove of local and regional artists to the "Confluence of Creativity" at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney. The show, which runs June 4 through July 27, will feature about 14 different artists including painters, a book illustrator, a glass artist and more, plus musical acts. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 7.
The Roundup will be regularly featuring artists from the show.
Matt Doyle grew up in Central Pennsylvania in a small valley along the Appalachian Mountains. At a very young age, he started to show interest in art. Within a few years, he was introduced to the great outdoors by his dad and both his Grandpaps. They took him fishing and hunting often. Matt learned to respect the wildlife and found pure joy in the outdoors. As his passion for the great outdoors grew stronger, Matt's passion for art was growing at the same time. By the time he was in middle school, he had already made up his mind he wanted to be a wildlife artist.
In 2005, Matt started attending Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. There, he learned many aspects of the art industry. In 2007, he was introduced to oil painting. Matt soon fell in love with this process and began pursuing oil painting more. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in 2009, his journey began.
The very next year, Matt made a trip to Montana for the first time to be in a friend's wedding. This was a turning point in his life. Along with the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, he also formed a friendship with Janna, the bride's sister. In 2013, they got married and moved to Minot, North Dakota. Matt worked at Hobby Lobby as a framer for a few years. This job was a perfect stepping stone for his art career.
In August of 2016, Matt and Janna moved to Williston, North Dakota where they could be closer to her family. At that point, they decided it was time to take the leap and go full-time. In the summers, they travel from Western Montana to Wyoming and through North Dakota doing outdoor summer shows. When Matt isn't in his studio painting, you'll find him fishing, hunting, or just being outdoors.
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