A. Matthews is an entrepreneur, world traveler, thrill seeker, art lover, champion race car driver, treasure hunter, and collector. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Matthews spent his early childhood playing with black children at the tobacco warehouses, while his father sorted and sold tobacco. After relocating to California, Matthews, a current resident of Challis, Idaho, found fame and fortune as a diamond importer, jewelry designer and manufacturer.

     Matthews was instructed in wood sculpture and sold numerous pieces of his art at an early age; however, he credits his mother with developing his interest in working with clay when he was nine years old. it was her hobby and they had a potter's wheel and kiln in their home. Matthews received instruction in sculpting and assistance with the design of his minstrels by his mentor, D.A. Russo, former protégé of Pablo Picasso, who gave Matthews some of Picasso's sculpting tools.

     Matthews' work has been influenced by fond memories from his childhood in North Carolina. He recalls the black workers relaxing with their music and drink at the end of their long work week. The essence of that wonderful spirit has been captured in his sculptures. With Matthews direction, the foundry has achieved exactly the patina he required for this effect.

     Matthews has been awarded the Bronze Award, Art of California magazine "Discovery Awards" in 1992 and the People's Choice Award, Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts in 1994.