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First Name Bry
Last Name Mat
Born 1965-01-04
Country United States
Biography 
Bryant Allan Matthews, the artist known as Bry A. Mat, holds Bachelor of Arts degree from Alabama State University. He was privildeged to study under the likes of Dr. Ellen C. Larkins, Stephen Cappelli and Dr. Kathleen Skurka.

Bry is the eldest of six and the son of Erskin and Linda Matthews. Bry A's up bringing took place in Cedar Lake, a small community in Decatur, Alabama.

As a young boy, Bry A. became acutely aware of his surroundings and gained an appreciation for the visual arts. As a child, he often drew or sketched items that would be of no interest to most places like old abandoned houses or inoperable automobiles. Not only did he sketch what was, Bry began to use his imagination to sketch what could be and from there, the creativity blossomed.

The Game of Life

It was sports, particularly Footbal that opened up a whole new world and exposure and opportunity for Bry A.. One othe most memorable and vivid events in his life was when was a pre-teen he witness John Stallworth -NFL Hall of Fame reciever Jogging thru his neigborhood (Cedar Lake) it was the off season and he had teamed up his college friend from Alabama A&M University Wayne Mosley. Who just so happened to be Bry's cousin. He knew then he really wanted to be a football player and play in the NFL one day. Fast forward to high school.

Bry A. began his football career at Austin High School in Decatur, AL. During his senior year, he realized that he didnt have a plan after graduation. He wanted to play Football but no one came knocking at his door. While his high school coaches were taking others players to visit colleges they left him out. It was at that time that he decided if college football was to be in his future he'd have to go knocking on their door.

Little did he know that it would be his love for the game, skill and determination that would channel him away from a family of 8 and that trailer in Cedar Lake. Bryant teamed up with his cousin Wayne Mosely that spring of 1983 and he drove him to Huntsville to Alabama A&M University and presented his best game film to the football coaches. His plan worked, about three weeks later he received a letter in the mail. It was an offer for a full 4-year scholarship to play football at Alabama A&M.

After three semesters at AAMU, a knee injury, and a coaching change he decided to transfer. He transferred to the schools top rival, Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL.

Shortly after transferring to ASU reality began to set in.. regarding His NFL dream. I just wasn't happening. He had neither the size or speed to compete on the next level. So the primary plan changed from NFL to "GET A DEGREE"

What better person to help him than a God sent Angel by the name of Dr. Ellen C. Larkins, Dr. Larkins, ( Art Dept. Chairman ) recognized instantly his artistic potential and became a mentor who both encouraged and inspired him to embrace his talents and reach higher.

Artist Statement

Bry A. believes that Art is an absolute necessary accessory for the good life. There is a symphony of thought, emotion and countless hours that is applied to the production of one single expression of art. My goal is to trigger continual thought and visual pleasure as a result of the encountering my works.

In the words of Amiri Baraka: Thought is more important than art. To revere art and not understand the process which forces it into existence is finally not even to understand what art is.

Exhibits and Awards

Bry A. Mat's exhibits and awards include but are not limited to the following:

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham, AL
Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, Montgomery, AL
John C. Calhoun Community College, Decatur, AL
The Armory Gallery, Montgomery, AL
State of Alabama Artist Gallery, Montgomery, AL
1990 Corel Draw International Design Contest
Auburn University, Foy Union Exhibit Lounge
Marthas Vineyard African American Film Festival, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Mansion House, Martha's Vineyard, MA
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Rifle Arm Cox
by Mat
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Breakin stride
by Mat
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Runnin Room
by Mat
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wave maker
by Mat
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