Artist Statement

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.

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Bio

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.

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Education

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)

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Experience

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.

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Presentations

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
2018 'Developing Art Portfolios', Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association, Lancaster PA

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Curatorial Experience

2024 Covid Chronicle: Cells, Chips and Lights, Dr. Michelle Choy Sun
2023 un-interrupted, David Platter
2023 Invisible Thread, Laura Sallade
2022 New Creatures, Timothy Gierschick II
2022 Revelation Series, Lawrence Morris
2021 Global City Babel, Grace Carol Bomer
2021 What Dreams May Come, Jean Sbarra Jones
2020 Elioenai (Toward God are Mine Eyes), Jun Gueco Cruz
2019 Dale Roberts
2019 Narrative Expressions of Herbert Mandel, Herbert Mandel
2018 These Things I Carry, Kimberly Stemler
2018 Wilderness: Works by Grace Isabell, Grace Isabell
2017 Bone of My Bones, Mark Potter

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Exhibitions

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Solo
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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

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Selected Group Exhibitions

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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
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Collaborative Projects

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

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