M.Wilkas is the studio practice by artist and actor Matthew Wilkas, based in Brooklyn. His work centers on the creation of objets d’art—handcrafted sculptures made primarily from papier-mâché.

Matthew began working with papier-mâché five years ago, drawn to the form for its playfulness, and imperfection. Over time, he honed a meticulous yet irreverent process—transforming simple paper and glue into finely painted, often tongue-in-cheek pieces. His ongoing series of Christmas tree toppers turns tradition on its head: forgoing angels and stars for oysters, bagels with cream cheese, cowboy boots, cats, or whatever inspires you to celebrate the season in your own way.

Raised on the coast of Maine, Matthew’s sensibility is rooted in the handmade culture of coastal life—where making things with your hands is less a hobby than a way of being. That coastal spirit, combined with his background as an actor, informs everything he makes. When he’s not on stage or screen, you can find him in his studio surrounded by brushes, glue, and scraps of yesterday’s newspaper—building something unexpected, whimsical.