Matt Rinard - Gallery Founder & Principle Artist

Matt Rinard was dropped on his head twice by his grandmother. By age 15 Matt had lived in 6 different states. He studied at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, which he hated, and later graduated from an all-boys Catholic school in the Lower Ninth Ward. The school was later destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He furthered his education at Florida State University in Tallahassee. After graduating, he moved back to New Orleans and resumed his studies at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art. Forced into art because no one would hire him, he began publishing his own work at age 23. At age 24 Persian Boy Publishing picked up Matt as one of their artists. Three years later his publisher was tragically murdered in his home. At this point, Matt started printing his own work at the University of New Orleans. This was all hand pulled serigraphs. In 1991 he opened Spilled Inc. on Orleans Avenue and produced countless pieces for different festivals and events. By 1998 he opened his own gallery on Royal Street and has never closed, not even after Hurricane Katrina. In 2000 S2 Art partnered with Matt to print and distribute his art worldwide.

Matt has worked with many corporate programs producing art for Ochsner Medical Group, Southern Comfort, and Budweiser to name a few. He produced a clothing line with fashion designer David Dart and sold the collection at Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstroms. The United States Navy commissioned him to paint a picture of the three billion dollars amphibious combatant LPD 18 made in Avondale, a shipyard in Louisiana. The ship was christened in New Orleans at the dock of the Moonwalk in the French Quarter. The painting was then produced as a limited edition print and the original hangs in the Captain’s Quarters of the ship.

Matt temporarily relocated to Colorado after his home and studio received four feet or water courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. Matt returned to New Orleans as soon as he possibly could. “I truly love New Orleans. For its food, people, music, and architecture. I lived in Vail for 1 year eating horrible meals and freezing. Now I’m home sweating, running over potholes, and eating fried everything. Finally, my cholesterol level is where it should be and I love it. I hope to have a tragic premature death to benefit all of my collectors.”

Matt Rinard has had shows in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Denver and abroad in Berlin, Bonn and Gronau, Germany.

He currently resides in the Lake Vista neighborhood of New Orleans with his wife Cam, three dogs and two cats.

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