For more than 20 years, Matthew Placzek’s fascination with sculptural composition has grown and evolved into an art form that is both meticulous in detail and free-flowing in design. Whether the medium is wood, clay steel or bronze, Matthew creates unique, fascinating works of art.

In 2003, Matthew was commissioned to create “Labor”, the second largest labor monument in the country. The composition is 30-feet high and is showcased prominently as part of the newly developed riverfront development in Omaha.

To-date, the largest sculpture in Matthew’s portfolio also is the most magnificent. In 2007, he created ILLUMINA, the centerpiece for the newly constructed Qwest Center Omaha Convention Center and Arena. Hundreds of thousands of people on an annual basis interact with the sculpture’s unique Carnival-like design.

Most recently, the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha commissioned Matthew to create a signature piece for the plaza entering the sculpture garden. The museum is renowned for its collection of art of the American West. The 5,000-pound, 15-foot high sculpture entitled “Sioux Warrior” originally was designed by John David Brcin (1899-1983) and realized by Matthew for the entrance. The artwork was designed in the 1920s by the Serbian-born artist but never completed until now. It was installed in October 2008.

In addition to large-scale art projects, Matthew also creates smaller pieces of sculpture in his studio in Omaha, Nebraska. His work is included in galleries throughout the country and is included in collections of Guinness Brewing, London, England; Takao Building Development, Tokyo, Japan; BMW, Germany; Level 3 Communications, Denver, Colorado, and Dayton Hudson, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Matthew has had numerous one-man shows, including the U.S. Embassy in Prague. His work is also in the presidential collections of Austria, The Republic of China and former President Ronald Reagan.