Matthew Finley Artist Talk and Tour + art activity

MOAH:CEDAR invites you into a safe, inclusive space to explore a deeply personal queer story at the Matthew Finley Artist Talk & Tour + art activity. An Impossibly Normal Life reflects on family, memory, and love, imagining a world where queer lives are fully seen, honored, and celebrated.

On Sunday. February 15, 2026, guests are invited to hear from Matthew Finley as he shares insights into the exhibition, followed by a guided tour and a free, reflective art activity led by MOAH:CEDAR staff. This event welcomes individuals, couples, families, and allies to connect through conversation, creativity, and community.

About the Exhibition

An Impossibly Normal Life reimagines a world where queer families and gender non-conforming lives are openly celebrated.

Inspired by the artist’s discovery of a possibly gay uncle, Matthew Finley creates a fictional yet deeply affectionate portrait of Uncle Ken, a life lived without fear. Through found photographs, personal objects, and imagined letters, the exhibition unfolds like a family photo album, capturing moments from first heartbreak and military service to marriage and chosen family.

Embellished with glitter, rhinestones, and sequins, Finley reframes the past with pride, centering queer joy, love, and resilience while offering a hopeful vision of a more inclusive future.

Learn more about the exhibiton at moahcedar.org

Image credit (in order of appearance):

Matthew Finley, Marshall and me off to our joint Sweet 16 Party!, 2024, Archival inkjet print mounted to board, glitter and varnish. Courtesy of the Artist.

Matthew Finley, He has Arrived! ha!, 2024, Archival inkjet print mounted to board, glitter and varnish. Courtesy of the Artist.

Matthew Finley, Me flirting on the bus., 2024, Archival inkjet print mounted to board, glitter and varnish. Courtesy of the Artist.

Matthew Finley, Me, Daisy ( about 1 yr old) and Grant, at our kitchen table., 2024, Archival inkjet print mounted to board, glitter and varnish. Courtesy of the Artist.

Info: Participate in a scrapbook activity inspired by the exhibition before the artist talk begins.

Info: Continue or begin making your own scrapbook and create your own story.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

MOAH:CEDAR, 44857 Cedar Avenue, Lancaster, United States

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