Julie Matre is a contemporary abstract and mixed media artist whose work reflects a deep connection to the landscapes, colors, and spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Best known for her large-scale abstract paintings, celestial landscapes, and vibrant wearable art, she creates pieces that celebrate the relaxed, creative energy of mountain living. Her wearable art collection was inspired by a casual mountain lifestyle, blending fine art with everyday expression.
Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of North Carolina’s High Country, as well as the foothills and Piedmont region of Virginia, Julie’s work captures the movement, texture, and atmosphere of the places she has called home. Her paintings often evoke expansive skies, other worldly or dreamlike visuals,
changing seasons, and the emotional connection between nature and the human experience.
Julie’s artistic career has included serving as an artist-in-residence at Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, Virginia, where she was featured in multiple exhibitions. Today, she is a member of BE Artists Gallery in
Banner Elk, North Carolina, continuing to exhibit work that resonates with collectors and mountain art enthusiasts alike.
Throughout her career, Julie’s artwork has been featured in publications, selected for juried exhibitions, and acquired for notable private and corporate collections, including a significant installation at a financial advisory firm’s offices in Richmond, Virginia. Julie studied Art Education at Radford University, where she developed the artistic foundation that continues to shape her creative practice. Before dedicating herself fully to art, she traveled extensively around the world as a flight attendant for Pan American World Airways. Those experiences broadened her perspective and continue to influence her appreciation for color, culture, and the universal language
of visual art.
Today, Julie creates from the mountains of North Carolina, producing original paintings and wearable art that invite viewers to experience the beauty, wonder, and quiet joy found in the landscapes that inspire her.