Author/ Worship Pastor/ Artisan and Executive Director of The Worship Studio, (www.theworshipstudio.org), Matt Tommey is a busy man. Heading up an international movement to raise up creative, "filled and skilled" Christian artists from every genre of the arts from musicians to painters to potters to poets,  Matt is motivated by a passion to see artists overcome what he terms "roadblocks to creativity" to release their God-given talents in greater ways.

"It's taken most of my adult life to really get in touch with what God called me to be in the Kingdom. Something powerful happened in my heart and in my very spirit when I started to get it- I mean really get who I was created to be," reflects Matt.

Emerging from years of brokenness, even as a successful Worship Pastor, Matt now clearly sees what his purpose is and powerfully articulates it in his book, Unlocking the Heart of the Artist.  A companion workbook has also been released, Unlocking the Heart of the Artist Experience Guide, co-written with noted artist Pattie Ann Hale.

Unlocking the Heart of the Artist has drawn rave reviews from respected artists and church leaders alike. "I can honestly say this work is extraordinary. It is the most articulate work I have read that reveals a comprehensive Biblical basis for artists to unashamedly pursue their powerful gift and calling, and when brought under the power of the Holy Spirit, that gift can have a redemptive influence in lives and culture," comments Jeanne Randall, President, Masterpiece Christan Fine Arts Foundation.

As the Executive Director of The Worship Studio, Matt travels extensively, speaking at churches, conferences and on radio and television. He was recently the keynote speaker at Karitos 2012 in Chicago, the internationally acclaimed Christian Worship and Arts Conference, where he also appeared on Moody Broadcasting's "The Morning Ride with Mark Elfstrand". Upcoming appearances include "Babbie's House" with host Babbie Mason.

Christian artists from every artistic genre around the world post on The Worship Studio's popular facebook page. ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/groups/95224191804/). The Worship Studio's annual Worship/Arts conference, "The Gathering of the Artisans", (www.thegatheringoftheartisans.com) September 27-29, 2012  will draw hundreds of creative people from US and other nations with hands-on workshops by master artists in Fine Art, Fine Craft, Prophetic Art, Performing Arts, Media and Artist Development. This years' "Gathering" will be held in breathtakingly beautiful Black Mountain, N.C. 

Matt has also also announced the the opening of a new studio/gallery and teaching facility in the River Arts district of historic downtown Asheville, called River Oaks, which will serve as The Worship Studio's creative hub for artists in North Carolina and internationally. The acclaimed CCM group, The Vespers, (www.thevespersband.com) will perform at the Grand Opening, August 26, 2012.

 In addition, Matt speaks at "Unlocking the Heart of Artist" and "Unleashing the Creativity of Heaven" conferences The Worship Studio hosts periodically througout the year.

Matt is an award-winning Applachian basketmaker (www.mattommey.com) and the Worship Pastor of King of Glory Church in Asheville, North Carolina, where we lives with his lovely wife Tanya and son Cameron.