Conceptually, I am compelled by the dichotomy of reality; what we perceive versus what we believe.
Drawing and sculpture are a means for me to frame ideas within a contemporary life saturated with incongruence. My work can be characterized by its complexities, mixing natural phenomena with poetic investigation and connecting my life’s patterns to handling a material’s innate qualities. In this process, I aim to prompt material and personal redemption through the act of making.
Matthew Stemler, an artist, art educator, and gallery curator residing in Yardley, Pennsylvania, is known for his drawings, sculptures, and contemplative installations that explore contemporary society’s social and technological structures through poetic language found in unexpected materials.
Stemler’s handling of materials is as intimate as the introspective themes that saturate the work. His creations often accentuate connections in the assembly. Therefore, literal and figurative bonds are as much a part of the work as the forms that seem caught in their configuration.
Stemler holds an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, a BFA from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and an AA from the Antonelli Institute of Art. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor and Director of the Department of Visual Arts at Cairn University in Langhorne, PA, where he also curates the Connie A. Eastburn Gallery. His exhibitions include the James A. Michener Art Museum, The Myrtle Gallery, and Art in City Hall, with installations showcased at the Eastern State Penitentiary Museum and the LGTripp Gallery. His work can be viewed at matthewstemler.com.
2021
M.F.A. Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Open Discipline
1996
B.F.A. Temple University, Tyler School of Art, Sculpture, Magna Cum Laude
1991
A.D. Antonelli Institute of Art, Specialized Technology (Commercial Art, Illustration)
2016 - Present
Cairn University, Langhorne, PA
Director, Department of Visual Arts (2021-present)
Department Chair, Department of Visual Arts (2018-21)
Provided curricular and personnel leadership for the Visual Arts Department. Oversaw department goals & assessments, developed & revised curriculum, managed budget, scheduled courses, recruited prospective students, and hired and mentored faculty. Supervise studio, equipment, & technology.
Programs, curriculum, and courses developed and launched:
• Graphic Design (BA) • Studio Art (BA) • Community Arts (BA),
• Pre-Art Therapy (BA) • General Fine Arts (BFA)
Associate Professor (2022-present) Department of Visual Arts, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Assistant Professor (2016-2022)
Initiated and developed the Visual Art Department as an inaugural faculty in studio art.
Taught analog and digital courses including:
• Foundations of Design • Foundations of Visual Communications • Senior Seminar
• Color and Design • Digital Photography • Professional Practices
• Intro to Drawing • Typography I • Visual Arts Internship
• Intermediate Drawing Design Applications • Senior Exhibition
• Painting I & II • Adobe Photoshop • Aesthetics
• 3-D Design I & II Adobe Illustrator
• Installation • Digital Illustration
Gallery Collection Curator (2016-present) Connie A. Eastburn Gallery
Curated professional artists and student exhibitions, managed gallery budget and marketing information, coordinated the installation of exhibitions, and managed the permanent collection.
2006 - 2017
Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy, Erdenheim, PA
Fine Arts Department Coordinator (2006-2017)
Coordinated Visual Arts, Music, and Theater programs and organized major annual events such as concerts and festivals. Established annual and long-term direction for the department and created marketing materials.
High School Art Instructor (2006-2017 & 1995-2002)
Taught developmentally appropriate and dynamic lessons in the following courses:
• Basic Art • Pre-Advanced Placement Art • Graphic Design
• Intermediate Art • Advanced Art Placement Drawing • Sculpture
• Advanced Art • Advanced Art Placement 2D Design • Drawing
• Portfolio Preparation • Advanced Art Placement 3D Design • Painting
Middle School Art Instructor (2006-8)
2002 - 2006
Bucks County Stair & Mill Works
Mechanic (Woodworker)
Constructed custom stairs and railings including spiral staircases with full trim.
2019
'Critiques in the Art Room', Association of Christian Schools International, Lancaster PA
2018
'Encouraging Originality in the Classroom', Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association, Lancaster PA
'Developing Art Portfolios', Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association, Lancaster PA
2024
COVID Chronicle: Cells, Chips and Lights, Dr. Michelle Choy Sun
2023
un-interrupted, David Platter
Invisible Thread, Laura Sallade
2022
New Creatures, Timothy Gierschick II
Revelation Series, Lawrence Morris
2021
Global City Babel, Grace Carol Bomer
What Dreams May Come, Jean Sbarra Jones
2020
Elioenai (Toward God are Mine Eyes), Jun Gueco Cruz
2019
Dale Roberts
Narrative Expressions of Herbert Mandel, Herbert Mandel
2018
These Things I Carry, Kimberly Stemler
Wilderness: Works by Grace Isabell, Grace Isabell
2017
Bone of My Bones, Mark Potter
2022-2024
Association of Christian Schools International, Lancaster, PA
Chair of Art Festival Visual Arts Section. Coordinated with teachers and logistics of an annual event that attracted schools from the tri-state area. Oversaw Judges and Judging Criteria for artwork. Wrote and implemented Categories and Art Assessment Standards
2022
Co-Juror – Member Only Show: Horizon, West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction, NJ
2010 - 2020
Association of Christian Schools International, Lancaster, PA
Fine Arts Festival Visual Arts Team
2009 - 2014
The Gathering & Working Artists’ Initiative
An art community and professional art accountability group
2000 - 2014
Educational European Trips
Co-chaperone, 6 trips to countries throughout Europe
2007 - 2009
Liberti Church, Roxborough, PA
Graphic Designer
2020
Gwynedd Estates, Ambler, PA
2019
Square Halo Gallery, Lancaster, PA
2015
Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA
2014
Benedum Fine Arts Gallery, Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA
2011
LGTripp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA (Installation ‘Flotsam’ and drawings)
2010
Epiphany Fellowship, Philadelphia, PA
2002
Bugs Eye View, Myrtle Gallery, North Wales, PA
2001
Peter Becker, Harleysville, PA
Sculpture and Drawing Show, Myrtle Gallery, North Wales, PA
2024
Faculty Exhibition, Connie A. Eastburn Gallery, Langhorne, PA
2021
Rhizome - Anne Bryan Gallery – Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2019
Open Studio – Montgomery County, Norristown, PA
2018
Veritas Academy Art Invitational
NoBa Art Space, Bala Cynwyd, PA
2016
Almond Branch Initiative Philadelphia, PA
2012
DAS:BAM Philadelphia, PA
2010
Philadelphia Salon at 1 Presidential Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Between the Covers with Philadelphia Sculptors, Philadelphia, PA
2005
Anniversary Show, Art in City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Abington Art Center, Annual Juried Exhibition, Abington, PA
2003
Pictures Make Stories: Children's Book Illustrations, Art in City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
2005
Outdoor Exhibition with Jon Stemler, James A. Michener Art Museum-, Doylestown, P
2003 - 2010
Site Specific Installation with Jon Stemler, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
Temple University, Center City Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside, PA
Artdaily. “Dynamic Sculpture Installation by Artists Matthew & Jonathan.” ArtDaily, 24 July 2005,
Bell, Joshua. “First Friday in the City of Brotherly Love.” The Hawk, St. Joseph's, 8 Nov. 2011,
Fallen, Roberta. “Prisoners of Eastern State.” Artblog, 12 May 2005
Fallon, Roberta. “Weekly Update – Swarm at the Schuylkill Center.” Artblog, 12 Aug. 2008,
Haupt, Kendall. “Thank God It’s (First) Friday .” 34st.Com, 3 Nov. 2011
Monroe, Blaire. phrequency.com, Nov. 2011
Newhall, Edith. “Galleries: A New Look at the Wireman, and Three Solo Shows.” (https://Www.inquirer.com, The
Philadelphia Inquirer, 6 Nov. 2011
Rosof, Libby. “Doing Time.” Artblog, 25 May 2004
Schwartz, Chip. “Visually Stunning and Socially Conscious Duo at Lgtripp.” Knight Foundation, 10 Nov. 2011
Walker, Jay. “Matthew Stemler.” YouTube, ArtPneuma, 18 May 2010
2021
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Dean’s Award
2010
Community Spirit Award - Rotary Club of Springfield Township
2005
Honorable Mention, AAC, Annual Juried Exhibition Juror: G. Roger Denson
2004
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
2002
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
2000
Community Spirit Award - Rotary Club of Springfield Township
1995
Tyler School of Art Dean’s Merit Scholarship
1991 - 1994
Temple University W.W. Smith Trust Fund Award
1992
Tyler School of Art Portfolio Award
1991
Antonelli Institute of Art Award for Excellence
