Ignite Studio welcomes our Fall Maker-in-Residence, Matt DeLoughery! Visit Ignite Studio from September-December 2025 to meet him.
Matt DeLoughery is an artist, educator, and advocate dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusion, and empowerment. He blends traditional materials with emerging technologies to explore themes of identity, futurism, and both individual and community voice. Matt champions accessibility by helping people use art, design, and technology to address social issues. He currently serves as a Director at a nonprofit focused on STEAM education and innovation and also runs his own arts integration company, developing meaningful, community-driven projects that combine analog and digital tools. With a background in architecture, 3D fabrication, and mixed-reality art, Matt teaches students from elementary school to college and beyond. He also volunteers on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit and is passionate about building inclusive spaces, celebrating diverse identities, and advocating for meaningful social change.
Maker-in-Residence Q&A
What mediums do you work in and why?
I work across traditional and emerging mediums—sculpture, collage, 3D printing, and augmented reality. I’m interested in how analog and digital tools can come together to empower creativity and storytelling. My work often explores identity, technology, and the future, and I love showing others that anyone can be a maker.
Where do you draw artistic inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from the world around me—how people live, dream, and make things. I’m especially drawn to the intersection of art, technology, and identity, and how we can use creativity to shape the future we want to see.
What is your favorite art tool/supply?
I’m a big fan of tools that make creativity more accessible. I love combining analog materials like polymer clay, paint, and collage with digital tools like 3D modeling and augmented reality. These tools open the door for people of all skill levels to customize, create, and experiment.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
I’m inspired by the Situationist International and their ideas about art being part of everyday life—not just something that hangs on a wall. I’m drawn to artists and movements that blur the lines between art, activism, and public engagement. I also admire contemporary artists who mix mediums and use technology in unexpected ways to tell stories or invite participation.
What kinds of things will you be doing during your residency in Ignite?
During my residency at Ignite, the emphasis will be on playful exploration, where participants are encouraged to mix traditional and new materials in creative ways. I want to ensure that everyone, regardless of experience, feels empowered to dive into the world of art and technology and to see how combining different mediums can lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes.
What art accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments is a recent project I led, where I secured funding from the Indiana Arts Commission to bring four local artists into a middle school afterschool program. Students from two schools in the same community worked alongside these artists to create meaningful pieces that reflected what they’re proud of—in their schools, neighborhoods, and in themselves. Their artwork is now being exhibited in a local gallery throughout the summer, featured during major concerts and community celebrations. The project brought families together, supported local creatives, and gave students the chance to explore new artistic techniques while seeing their voices uplifted in a public space.
What is something you still hope to accomplish in art?
I want to continue creating opportunities that make both traditional and tech-based art more accessible—especially for people who don’t yet see themselves as artists. At the same time, I hope to grow my own practice by having my work exhibited internationally. Sharing creative work across cultures and borders is a powerful way to build connections, and I’d love to be part of that.
What else do you want the HEPL community to know about you?
I’m excited to learn and experiment right alongside the community during my residency. Ignite Studio offers so many tools and materials I can’t wait to explore—and I’m always open to trying new techniques and mediums. If you’re curious about something or want to collaborate, let’s experiment together and see where it takes us!
