Upcoming Artists

Diane Matyas

November 6 – December 15, 2026

Diane Matyas is a New York City artist who explores the intersections between science and story. 

Raised in Ithaca, NY, she received a BFA and MFA at Cornell University. A resident of Staten Island since 1986, she has raised a family and led a leadership career at New York museums. Matyas’ drawings, paintings, prints, shadow works and public art create allegories inspired by biology, history, and wild swimming. Her scenarios feature animals juxtaposed with built environments or scientific principles such as buoyancy and gravity. By weaving together these elements, Matyas creates unexpected relationships and narratives that surprise, spark curiosity, and encourage deeper understanding of our interconnected world. Matyas’ site-specific public sculptures have been built in New York City, Philadelphia, and Mesa, Arizona. 

Most recently, Matyas’ 2025 DCLA Art Fund Grant and Makerspace NYC residency led to the installation of the interactive public sculpture The Luna Park Elephant at Maker Park. Her interest in shadow theatre led to a 2025 Howard Gilman Performing Arts Residency Cohort grant and the 2026 Object Movement Festival with the Center for West Park, where she will debut The Luna Park Elephant as a performance.