2000 Bio

Mark Manning, a watercolor artist, is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, and now lives in Merriam, Kansas.

The "Take a Second Look at Turkey Creek Streamway Park Path" art show is the first exclusive showing of Mark Manning’s work in nearly fifteen years.  In the late 1970’s and early 80’s his work was the subject of numerous one-man shows.  His shows were not only exhibits and sales of his artistic creations but also festive, annual weekend events enjoyed by hundreds of guests.

Mark's exhibit at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library drew both public and national attention resulting in a segment featuring his life and paintings on a national television program on TBN.

Mark has been commissioned to produce artistic works for local businesses as well as dozens of portraits of private residences in Wyandotte County and Johnson County, Kansas.

In 1984 Mark moved to Lakewood, Colorado, to be part of a local church.  While living in Colorado he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. While in school he continued to accept commissions for portraits of private residences including homes in Grosse Point, Michigan; Beverly Farms, Massachusetts; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; and Keller, Texas, as well as many in the Denver area.

In 1994 Mark Manning's portrait of the U.S. Capitol was chosen for the cover of the Very Special Arts national calendar.  He later served on the board of directors for Very Special Arts Colorado, a state chapter of the national organization founded by Jean Kennedy Smith for the promotion of the arts in the lives of physically challenged children.

Mark moved from Colorado to Merriam, Kansas, in 1995 to be closer to his mother and nine brothers and sisters as well as his 31 nieces and nephews. He enjoys a full and rich life and credits his faith in Jesus Christ as the source of all strength and joy in his life.

Mark Manning is available for commissions.  Original, matted watercolor portraits of homes begin at $450.