BIO
Matthew Groshek is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where he teaches courses across the program that include Photography and Graphic Design, Graphic Design History, Curatorial Practice and Exhibition Planning and Design. He is also principal of an interpretive design firm, Education Design Link, and facilitates a cultural residency program called Sedge Meadow at his farm.
In addition to teaching, Groshek curates exhibitions for both the UWSP College of Fine Arts Edna Carlsten Art Gallery and the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center.
Groshek is also invested in designing spaces and experiences that serve human / animal interactions, working with animal shelters and humane societies to allow them to better serve both their human and animal clients. He believes that good design can change how humans engage and care for the world.
Research Interests
His area of research is varied but often centers on cultural stories; including spatial and visual narratives, and stories of relationships and networks. “Place” is a recurring theme of his research with investigations of rural social networks, in particular food systems. Exploring ideas of home labor, perceptions of food and constructions of place-identity are important to his work. He continues to research rural identity and life, through a project titled “The People of Rural Wisconsin”, which is supported by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS), where he is a research Fellow.
achievements
Matthew Groshek is the recipient of a number of grants that support his research and civic engagement projects. His work as a consultant has lead him to develop and design exhibitions collaboratively with SPCA Tampa Bay, the Bell Museum of Natural History, the Weisman Museum of Art, the Percussive Arts Society Rhythm! Discovery Center and other institutions. He has worked with the Boerner Botanical Gardens, the Urban Ecology Center, and the Humane Society of Wisconsin, as well as others during his 25 year career as an exhibition developer and designer.
other activities
Groshek is restoring his 40 acre family farmstead with his partner. They keep bees and chickens, are restoring an orchard and berry patches, tending a large garden and mushrooms, and making maple syrup and sweet and hard ciders.
Groshek also operates Wildrise Artisan Breads; a micro-bakery and bread CSA out of his home. An avid skywatcher and telescope builder, he also enjoys observing the night sky and other natural phenomenon from his rural location.