Joseph Matose '86

Artist alum gives back to support future artists 

Joseph Matose '86 cannot say enough about the experiences and the people he met during his time at URI. Today, Matose is a well-known artist and poet who owns his own gallery in Newport. His works have been displayed in other galleries throughout Rhode Island and in New York City. Matose has also been honored with various awards, including a 2010 Professional Award from the Art Institution Schools in Minneapolis.

As an artist, Matose draws every day as a form of practice and to perfect his craft, favoring ink and acrylic media above others. Much of the inspiration for his work comes from impulse, he says, and from the people and scenes he sees every day.

Matose has been told that he first demonstrated his artistic talent when painting a boat for his uncle at the age of two. In the ensuing years, Matose honed his craft at the Rhode Island School of Design and at his eventual alma mater, URI. He began his studies at URI in the continuing education program, at night, taking art classes in all types of media. He cites one of his professors, William Klenk, as a major influence in his work, affecting the way he approaches much of his work. “URI is so lucky to have him,” says Matose, who recently gave back to the University by donating an original work in recognition of Klenk’s impact. The artwork is housed in the office of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Matose relates much of his life—and understanding of such—to that of Tolstoy and his works, and the idea that persistence can allow one to overcome any obstacle. In reading Tolstoy’s poetry and philosophical thoughts, Matose meditates on Tolstoy’s ideas and what he terms “the positive way”—a way of thinking positively and optimistically, and reacting kindly to those around you.

“I’ve been through a lot of struggles in my life, but every time I came out on top,” Matose observes. “It's because I've been persistent and positive.”

He says that all of the professors with whom he came into contact during his time at URI were extremely supportive, kind and compassionate towards the students. He found this especially true when it came to those who taught classes for the evening programs, for which many of the students held daytime jobs while also taking classes.

Because of his rich and positive experiences at URI, Matose recently made provisions in his estate plans to bequeath a generous gift to the University’s Art Department.

“Joe feels strongly about supporting URI,” explains Rita A. Verespy, assistant director of the URI Foundation’s gift planning office. “He is a successful artist and a truly positive individual with a real commitment to giving back. His affinity for the professors who offered him encouragement during his time at URI is very strong, and he hopes that as a result of his gift, future art students will enjoy a similarly supportive and creative experience.”

For information relating to gift planning, please visit urifoundation.org/giftplanning or call Rita Verespy at 401.874.9530.