Congrats to Matt Porter
Westobou's New Executive Director
July 2022
Matt Poter is a Canadian transplant who has lived in Augusta, Ga for more than a decade. Some may know him for his Secret Record Nights but most know him through his work with the Morris Museum of Art where he worked as the Curator of Education for 13+ years. Over the years, Matt has learned a lot about the Arts in Augusta and is excited to be taking on this new role at Westobou.
Prior to his work at the Morris, Matt worked at the Detroit Institute of Art and at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright house “Falling Waters.” He is a trained visual artist and is adept in a variety of media. His graphic design work on the James Brown Birthday Get Down posters and flyers is iconic.
All of this experience has given him a unique understanding of what it takes to create an amazing arts experience. In 2022, Matt was awarded the Arts Professional Award at Augusta’s Annual Arts Awards. His dedication to broadening arts programing in Augusta’s River Region is inspiring.
“I first met Matt through his work with Augusta University’s Department of Art. He programed the first, “big”, art exhibition I was in outside of campus (at the Morris in the Education Gallery). Which, as a visual art student, was an amazing opportunity.” Said local artists and Arts Council Employee Heather Dunaway. “That was more than 10 years ago, and Matt is still working towards creating opportunities for artists and the arts community. Like Kristi, he’s a bit of an arts hustler. I’m excited to see what new things he will bring to Westobou. He’s going to do some rad things.”
Outside of his work at the Morris, Matt has been responsible for curating exhibitions, events and happenings in and around Augusta at places like the Mary S. Byrd Gallery at Augusta University, ATHICA, and other community spaces. Heather’s is just one example of the multitude of events Matt has had his creative hands in making. As a true collaborator at heart and an active partner in local arts institutions he hopes to continue share the enthusiasm he has for Augusta at Westobou while maintaining its momentum of contemporary and forward-thinking arts.
“I’m excited to build on the great things Westobou has brought to our community,” said Porter. “I’ve followed Kristi’s vision since she came on nearly 10 years ago and followed the organization since it’s beginning. I’m humbled to be asked to continue on with this mission and to bring things to this next chapter and celebrate art in our town.”