Matthew James Collins was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1970. Nurtured in an artistic family, his enthusiasm for art was encouraged from the earliest age. Collins was accepted and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he focused on drawing, etching and sculpture. He completed a BA in the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 1994 he traveled to Europe to complete his artistic formation. For over 25 years, Matthew has been living in Italy, studying and researching the classical techniques of sculpture. Collins is currently based in Florence, Italy. He exhibits internationally and his works are represented in public and private collections throughout the United States and Europe, The quality of Matthew's work has been recognized by numerous artistic associations including: Modportrait (Spain), Arte Laguna Prize ( Italy),the Portrait Society of America, the National Sculpture Society, and the Art Renewal Center.