Some people just do cool things. Matthew Perlman is one of them. He has almost single-handedly revived the art of the matchbook. It’s a tiny piece of hospitality history that nearly went out (literally) when restaurants banned indoor smoking. Matchbooks are having a moment again, and the beautifully designed ones are becoming collector’s items. Perlman is a big reason why. Perlman is the founder of Artishouse — a studio, shop, and workshop space in New York City. It brings creativity, retail, and community under one roof. Visitors can take a class or shop work made by independent artists. Increasingly, they can also learn to frame and display their own matchbook collections. Below, Perlman talks about the matchbook revival, what makes a matchbook collectible, and the family history that started it all. Courtesy of Artishouse The Story Behind Artishouse Galavante: Artishouse brings together a studio, shop, workshops, and community under one roof. What did you feel was missing in New York that made you want to create a space like this? Matthew: I felt like New York was missing a place where creativity could be accessible and social without feeling intimidating. I wanted a space where you could walk in and…