Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Features the Photography of Matthew Borchert-Marshall

Southwest Minnesota Arts Council announces

Gallery Exhibit & Two Artist Receptions

featuring

the photography of

Matthew Borchert

Exhibit runs May 15 – June 27, 2025

Check out this exhibit either in-person or virtually

*The SMAC GALLERY is located at 509 West Main Street, Marshall

Regular office hours: Monday – Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm

Please help SMAC welcome our next gallery exhibit featuring the photographic art of MATTHEW BORCHERT (Marietta). This exhibit will be in the SMAC Gallery in downtown Marshall at 509 West Main Street from May 15 – June 27, 2025. Borchert received two Quick Support for Artists grants, one in 2023 and one in 2025 to further his photography skills and technology.

Meet Matthew

Matthew Borchert is a photographer based out of South West Minnesota. Not specializing in any particular style he explores all aspects of photography. His passion for photography can said to be accidental. Suffering from many setbacks during life Matthew developed several mental health issues. Such as bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, survivors syndrome and PTSD. Those conditions led him to be extremely introverted, cutting himself off from the world. Through these conditions Matthew reached a peak weight of 425lbs and tried to end his life twice. He had pretty much given up, then in 2021 something snapped and he said “no more”. He began looking for help and started seeing a counselor. Matthew decided to buy a camera, not to have gallery shows or be in magazines but as motivation to get out of his comfort zone. He began to search for the beauty of the world around him through his camera. While looking for this beauty something even more profound happened. He began to find himself. He began to find self worth and meaning. He began to find happiness. Then he discovered his photos stirred a feeling in others. He decided to use this platform to help spread awareness of mental health issues, hoping to help lift the stigma they have long held. Having had digital gallery shows at the FotoZ Gallery in Johannesburg South Africa and the Conningsby Gallery in London England and an in-person Gallery Show at the Madison Mercantile in Madison MN. Having photos published in numerous magazines and newspapers including Minnesota Monthly Magazine and having photos highlighted on several news stations like WCCO. His photos have been shared on social media by entities such as Nat. Geo and NASA. Photographing several band and musicians including names like Terri Clark, Magdalene Rose, David Nail, Tyler Braden and many others including too many to name from right here in Minnesota. He can still be heard saying “I’m no professional, I’m just a redneck with a camera”.

Join an IN-PERSON artist reception on

Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 5-7pm

at the SMAC Gallery, 509 West Main Street, Marshall

~ Enjoy the music of Tony Moger during this reception

~Join a VIRTUAL artist talk via Zoom on

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 5:30 pm.

Please email SMAC staff [info@swmnarts.org] for the ZOOM link to join this Artist Talk.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Funding provided by the McKnight Foundation. Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive. The McKnight Foundation supports working artists to create and contribute to vibrant communities.