Matthew Patterson

Matthew Patterson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art & Art History at the University of South Alabama, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He joined the university in 2011, specializing in glass arts. His work explores identity and the natural world through sculptural media, including glass, wood, metal, and mixed materials, with recent focus on Gulf Coast natural landscapes.

Educated at The University of Texas at Arlington, he holds both a B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Art. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Introduction to Glass, Advanced Glass, and Graduate Sculpture, emphasizing Venetian glassblowing techniques and contemporary methods.

His research-driven art has been exhibited nationally and internationally in over 40 juried/group shows, including 3 solo exhibitions. Notable exhibitions include Art + Science (Whitewater Art Gallery) and Functional Art (Larson Gallery). He has received prestigious awards like the Greg Olsen Memorial Award and the Award for Excellence.

Patterson’s creative practice bridges artistic expression with environmental themes, reflecting his engagement with coastal ecosystems and material innovation.