Matt Lively is a dynamic artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he graduated in 1993. Since then, Lively has maintained a prolific career as a self-employed artist while also contributing to the academic community as an adjunct faculty member at VCU since 2004. His extensive experience includes leadership roles, such as serving on the Exhibition Committee at Art6 Gallery and Chair of Exhibitions at Artspace Gallery in Richmond. Lively has also been a frequent guest speaker and workshop leader at various educational institutions, including Midlothian High School, Henrico County Public Schools, Richmond City Public Schools, and the University of Richmond.
Lively's work has been widely exhibited in solo and group shows across the United States and internationally, with notable exhibitions at venues such as the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the Liss Gallery in Toronto, Canada. His art has been recognized in national juried shows, earning awards and acclaim, including a finalist spot for the Trawick Prize in 2003. Lively's creative output spans a wide range of media, and his work has been featured in various publications, including Richmond Times Dispatch, POLO Magazine, New American Paintings, and Art Business News. Known for his innovative installations and conceptual approach, Lively continues to be a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
