Perpich News

Board Member Mat Ollig (Visual Arts 2002) Says Farewell

Matthew OlligJanuary 26, 2023

Perpich Board Member, Mat Ollig (Visual Arts 2002), has retired from the Perpich Board after two terms. His term ended on January 2, 2023. Ollig, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was appointed to the Board by Governor Mark Dayton. He was appointed in January of 2014.

In a letter that Mat wrote in 2020 for his reappointment to the Board, he said, “One of my proudest moments on the Board was when we eliminated the dorm fee to students living 20 miles from the school; opening up access to students in Greater Minnesota and to those that come from families with less financial means.”

“I understand the need and importance of Perpich,” said Ollig. “Perpich was pivotal in my development as an artist and as an individual. I grew up in the small, rural community of Waverly, MN, and the Perpich Center was my first introduction to the world of fine art and my first interaction with artistically-minded peers. The Perpich Center showed me the importance of having a strong creative community where ideas and concepts could openly be discussed. Students from varying disciplines would naturally befriend each other, and allowed for the cross-pollination of ideas and insights, allowing for a richer and more creatively beneficial experience.”

Dr. Charles Rick, Perpich Executive Director, added, “I thank Mat for his time and talents to support Perpich Center for Arts Education, as a talented artist, Board member, and a graduate of Perpich Arts High School.”

Mat Ollig is an alumnus of the Accademia di Bella Arti in Florence, Italy. He is also a 2002 graduate from Perpich, and a 2010 painting graduate from MCAD. He is a professional artist working out of his studio in NE Minneapolis. His artwork is part of the permanent collections of the Weisman Art Museum, Code 42, Millennium Hotel, Hyatt Regency, BI Worldwide, and many other public, corporate, and private collections.

Ollig joined the Perpich Board of Directors to ensure that the young creatives of Minnesota will have the same opportunities that were bestowed to him as a result of attending Perpich. Ollig believes “without the Perpich Center, I would never have thought it possible to become a professional artist, nor would I currently have the skills and ambition which allowed that opportunity.” It is his hope that others will follow in his path in their pursuit of their dreams.