About Matt Bagley

Matt Bagley is a Dallas-based master printmaker, inventor, and educator, and the founder of Iron Frog Press. With a BFA in Printmaking from the University of North Texas, Matt has dedicated his career to expanding the possibilities of printmaking, both as a fine art and as a hands-on community experience.

Growing up in the bayous of South Louisiana, Matt was inspired by the textures and rhythms of the natural world—an influence evident in the tactile, layered quality of his prints. Over the years, his work has evolved to combine traditional printmaking techniques using his innovative tool, unique materials, and a playful visual language featuring robots, dinosaurs, and alternate universes.

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Innovation and Outreach

Matt is the first artist to design and produce a production glass baren specifically for printmaking. His invention, the Print Frog® Glass Baren™, is a high-performance hand tool that allows artists to create relief prints without a traditional press.

He also pioneered PrintShop a Go-Go™, a mobile print studio that brings hands-on printmaking experiences to schools, community centers, and public spaces across Texas and beyond. Through his teaching and outreach, Matt is committed to making printmaking accessible to all skill levels, fostering creativity, and inspiring the next generation of artists.

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Artistic Practice

Matt’s printmaking blends woodblock prints, handmade papers, and found materials, including bamboo and string. His work reflects both a respect for printmaking tradition and a bold, imaginative approach to contemporary themes. Despite long-term vision loss from type 1 diabetes, Matt continues to innovate and create, proving that creativity transcends physical limitations.

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Exhibitions and Recognition

Matt’s prints have been exhibited widely in galleries and museums throughout Dallas and beyond. He is an active voice in the North Texas arts community, frequently leading workshops, lectures, and demonstrations, and sharing his expertise with both aspiring and established printmakers.

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Impact & Influence

Through his inventions, mobile print workshops, and teaching, Matt has expanded the reach of printmaking in North Texas and beyond. His work bridges traditional craft, contemporary creativity, and community engagement, inspiring both emerging artists and seasoned practitioners while making printmaking accessible and engaging to all.