Matt Eddmenson (Class of ’99)
At the Art Academy of Cincinnati, we often say our students don’t take a typical path — they define it themselves. No one embodies that more than Matt Eddmenson, who arrived in 1995 to study painting and drawing but wandered into printmaking, vintage posters, collage, and graphic design — eventually forging a creative practice that blurs fine art and fashion.
Today, Matt is not only a nationally exhibiting artist but also co‑founder of Imogene + Willie, the Nashville‑based clothing brand he launched with his wife Carrie in 2009. Named for their maternal grandparents, it’s “a celebration of American‑made craftsmanship and nostalgic, workwear‑inspired design.”
And that’s Matt in a nutshell, Americana meets cowboy culture, pop culture, cartoons, and hard work, all jumbled up together in a wonderful collage of creative reflection and a touch of magic.
15 Years of Made‑in‑USA Collaborations: Craft and Connection
In its 15th anniversary in mid‑2024, Imogene + Willie commemorated the milestone by releasing 15 capsule collaborations, all proudly manufactured in the U.S. These limited‑edition pieces range from workwear staples to unexpected pairings — surfboards, ceramic vases, military‑inspired jackets — reflecting Matt’s interdisciplinary instincts and commitment to creative partnerships.
Notably, standout pieces like the i+w × Schott NYC Perfecto jacket bring together motorcycle‑jacket heritage and denim sensibility—melding functional design, handcrafted quality, and vintage aesthetic in a single garment (and selling out quickly)
Blurring Lines: Studio Art Meets Entrepreneurship
“I used to keep my art practice and the business completely separate,” Matt reflects. “Now, I’m starting to ask myself why. Why not bring those two together? It’s all me.”
At 50, he’s deep in a balancing act: studio art, brand leadership, and fatherhood. His recent solo show, No More Cowboys, layers retro‑pop illustration, Western comic‑book motifs, and painterly style — a natural outgrowth of his design work within Imogene + Willie. “Style is something you can’t escape, but I wanted to challenge myself to look beyond subject matter and start integrating the design work I do for the brand with the fine art I make in the studio.”
Roots at the Art Academy
Matt credits AAC not only for technical foundations but for lifelong creative relationships: “The friendships I made there are still with me 25 years later … They remind you who you were when you were just starting out.” Although he majored in painting, Matt admits to “sneaking into the printmaking studio after hours” — a habit that stuck. “That mix of painting and printmaking — it’s still what I do every day.”
Advice to AAC Students: Stay Late. Stay Curious.
“Experience as much as humanly possible … Don’t stress about having a ‘style’ right away. Be experimental. … Your day doesn’t end when your last class does. The best clarity comes when you’re putting in those extra hours.” He encourages fellow students to explore widely — whether in graphic design, sculpture, print, or painting — and to hold fast to their unique perspectives. “Be diligent in what you believe truly comes from your unique point of view … Because there’s only one you.”
Looking Ahead: The Art of Collaboration
For Matt, the latest phase of Imogene + Willie — 15 years of partnerships — is more than anniversary fanfare. It’s an extension of his artistic impulse. The brand’s commitment to American‑made quality and meaningful collaboration mirrors his studio practice: both are spaces where experimentation, materiality, and narrative converge. Matt Eddmenson ‘99 models the AAC ethos: forging your own map through exploration, ambition, and creativity. Whether in paint or selvage denim, his work is a celebration of craft, curiosity, and the courage to blend worlds.
Are you an AAC alum venturing off the beaten path? We want to spotlight your story in Destination Unknown. Reach out — we’d love to share your journey.
Media & Links:
- Exhibition No More Cowboys https://preacher.co/gallery/matt-eddmenson
- Follow his visual work on Instagram: @matteddmensonstudio
- Imogen + Willie https://imogeneandwillie.com (check out the story of the store and all the incredible work they do for community, disaster relief, and local artists/musicians.)
