Artists Matthew Corey and William Root featured at YC’s Prescott Gallery, July 10 – Aug. 22
Prescott, Arizona (June 24, 2025) – This summer, Yavapai College will celebrate two very different and remarkable artists whose muses range from metaphysics and family history to the surreal qualities of the American Southwest. One Gallery/Two Exhibitions, opens Thursday, July 10 and runs through Friday, August 22 at YC’s Prescott Campus Gallery.
“Both exhibitions are very strong aesthetically, and both have a connection to the region.” YC Art Galleries Manager Timothy Hull said. “We wanted to find one amazing abstract artist and one amazing figurative artist, put them together, and see what happens. It’s very exciting and something that we will do more of in the coming years.”
Kate T. Cory Portrait – Matthew Cory
Matthew Cory’s “A Family of Stories,” draws from the acrylic painter’s own ancestry. As a child, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Matthew heard tales of grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-uncles who were painters, singers, and photographers.
His research uncovered many artistic relatives, including painters of presidential portraits (Thomas Le Clear, who painted U.S. Grant) and writers of classic songs (George Cory, I Left My Heart in San Francisco).
"In this series I celebrate the many creatives I discovered in my family tree,” Matthew said, “including Prescott’s own Kate T. Cory, a painter and photographer of the Hopi. Through these paintings, I hope to honor the artistic relationships that shape creativity and inspire others to reflect on their own connections."
Stone Prayers – William Root
A painter and printmaker with a keen interest in photography and mixed media, William Root graduated with a BFA in painting/printmaking from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He spent the 80’s working in the Cleveland Museum of Arts’ exhibition and conservation departments, while experimenting with a wide variety of photographic techniques.
In 1990, William moved to Belgium with his wife, Mindy. He taught at SHAPE International School in Casteau. William has had one-person exhibitions in Paris, Venice across Europe and in the U.S., and his work is part of many public and private art collections. He relocated to Sedona in 2018 and established The Root Art Studio in Jerome.
"I moved to Arizona after 28 years of living and working in Belgium.” William said. “It was the first time I lived in a rocky, hot and sunny place and I was instantly fascinated by the desert terrain. I became obsessed with rocks, constantly picking them up during hikes and excursions. In these works, I explore both the forms and textures of these rocks."
One Gallery/Two Exhibitions opens Thursday, July 10, at 10 a.m., at YC’s Prescott Campus Art Gallery. An Opening Reception will be held July 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The gallery will also host a closing reception, featuring live and recorded discussions with the artists, Thursday, August 14, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery is located within the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at 1100 E. Sheldon Street, on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus. The Gallery’s Summer hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Gallery will also be open during the Prescott Film Festival (July 16 – 20) and from 5 to 7 p.m. during both 4th Friday Art Walks, (July 25 & August 27). Admission is free. For exhibit schedules or more information, please call: (928) 776.2031 or visit: www.yc.visualarts.com.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.