Matt Miller’s path to teaching wasn’t a straight line. It was shaped by unexpected turns, quiet encouragement, and a deep love for creating.
“I started out as a construction worker, never imagining I’d end up in the world of art,” he said. “But somewhere along the way, art became my space—my way of thinking, expressing, and processing the world.”
That sense of belonging didn’t emerge on its own.
“It was the quiet influence and steady encouragement of my sculpture teacher and mentor, Ed Smith, at Southeast Missouri State University, that eventually guided me toward education,” Miller said. “Ed had a way of teaching that was unlike anyone I had ever experienced—patient, intentional, and inspiring without saying much at all. His impact stuck with me, and I now teach art in hopes of carrying forward that same kind of meaningful influence.”
For the past eight years, Miller has served as an art teacher at Cape Girardeau Public Schools. He currently teaches at Terry W. Kitchen Central Junior High, where he hopes to pass on a simple but powerful message to every student who walks into his classroom.
“Be creative. Be playful. Be open. Never be judgmental—toward yourself or others—because art is a space for growth, not perfection. I want you to take risks, to try strange and wonderful ideas, and to find joy in the process, not just the result. Above all, hold on to your craftsmanship. That’s the part of your work that is uniquely yours. The way you see, the way you build, the way you solve problems through your hands—that is your voice, and no one else can claim it. Treat it with care, and never let it go.”
While he’s known throughout the district as a passionate educator and advocate for students, Miller is also an accomplished sculptor with work on display across the country.
“I’ve always loved making sculpture—it’s where I feel most connected, grounded, and alive,” he said. “Working with my hands just feels natural, and I think that comes from the influence of both my grandfathers. One was a woodworker, the other a machinist, and their craftsmanship left a lasting impression on me.”
“For me, sculpture isn’t just about creating something physical; it’s a way to talk to myself, to process emotions, and to work through life’s ups and downs. I tend to sculpt the most when I’m feeling deeply—whether I’m overwhelmed with joy or weighed down by sadness. It’s a quiet, personal language that helps me make sense of the world.”
Miller’s most recent piece, Mix Tape, can be seen in Decatur, Indiana.
“Mix Tape was a sculpture about grief, acceptance, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving forward. It centers on a single house—a symbol of memory, love, and the lives we continue to carry with us,” he said.
In addition to the rotating display in Decatur, his sculptures are currently exhibited in Moline, Illinois; Dubuque, Iowa; and Huntsville, Alabama. His permanent installations can be found at Delta State University in Mississippi, the City of Urbandale, Iowa; Decatur, Indiana; the City of Mankato, Minnesota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and in private residences throughout the country.
Miller is currently developing a new sculpture, one that’s rooted in memory and shaped by reflection.
“This work has lived in my mind for a long time. I once planned it out in detail with multiple drawings, but those were lost. Now, I’m building it from memory, letting that loss guide me,” he shared. “It’s a piece about looking back while still moving forward—the doors we’ve left open, the choices we’ve made, and the possibilities that remain.”
It’s a fitting metaphor for Miller’s own journey, from construction to the classroom, a journey that has provided him with something artists deeply value: inspiration.
“People often say that art teachers inspire their students—but more often than not, it’s my students who inspire me,” he said. “Their curiosity, their bravery, their willingness to try something new—it reminds me why I love this work. And that, to me, is a beautiful thing.”
To view Mr. Miller’s artwork in Decatur, Indiana, follow the link below.
https://www.decatursculpturetour.com/
