Dozens of examples of her work will be exhibited at the museum through July 11, 2010.  Her art covers a wide range of subjects and techniques, from paintings of Denmark to wood cuts and fish prints on paper.  The exhibition represents a retrospective of many influences and experiences in Matthies’ life, including extensive travel, a passion for the natural world, and collaborations with writers and other artists.

Matthies has been a lifelong artist and teacher with an artistic career spanning five decades and a teaching career of 30 years.  She states, “I not only enjoy doing my own art, but get an incredible ‘natural high’ from viewing other people’s work, witnessing works in progress, and by being a part of the whole creative world of music, theatre, dance, literature, poetry, sculpture and photography.”  She has taught over 8,000 students ranging in age from five to eighty-five and believes that art is all encompassing. 

Museum visitors can meet the artist in person on Saturday, May 29, when she offers a public gallery talk in conjunction with Elk Horn’s Tivoli Fest activities.  Matthies will also lead a hands-on workshop on Sunday afternoon, May 30.  Please contact the The Danish Immigrant Museum for more information about these unique opportunities.