Matthew Wagner is an artist currently working in Blacksburg Virginia. Matthew believes creating a thriving local community, economy, and environment, is what leads to the long term health of any region. His work combines years of experience working in graphic design, fine art photography, and mural painting. In Maryland, where Matthew grew up, he studied graphic design at Montgomery College, then transferred to Maryland Institute College of Art and received his BFA in Photography. After completing his photographic thesis on regenerative agriculture, he moved to New Castle Virginia to begin a career in farming. This led to various jobs at gardens, a slaughterhouse, a trout hatchery, some farmers markets and more, taking photographs along the way. These experiences are what formed his drive to help grow all things local. Matthew is now working at the Catawba Sustainability Center, helping operate the Grass-Fed Beef Partnership, a program dedicated to supporting the local beef economy. Outside of the farm, he continues to grow his artistic practice, working with small businesses, farms, creatives and more.
