A Quiet Engine: Manifest Gallery Continues Pursuit to Support Artists

By Christian Meininger, Contributor

Though understanding Manifest Gallery may appear difficult on the surface, it can be broken down into two parts: an art gallery and art studio. For 22 years, the gallery has existed on Woodburn Avenue, showcasing the work of artists from 48 countries and all 50 states.

During the same period of time, Manifest’s art studio has often moved. In 2022, the organization purchased a 13,000-square-foot building on the west side of Clifton. The group has gradually worked to combine its gallery and studio spaces under one roof. A tour of the building showcases several studios for artists, printmaking facilities, classroom space, as well as gallery space. Though they imagine various benefits from combining the studio and gallery, they also believe that one could strengthen the other.

The issue of finding a permanent home became crucial for Manifest Gallery. Founding Executive Director and Chief Curator Jason Franz explained, “The old story: artists come into a space, it’s usually a depressed space. It’s cheap rent. They build it up, it gets exciting. Rents go up, the artists have to move.” 

Franz’s passion for his work is evident. When he talks about Manifest’s figure drawing classes, new printmaking studio and the gallery’s mission to promote artists’ work, it is clear that improving the organization is just as important as his passion for art. At the Clifton studio, a landscape work of a resident artist shows the story of work in progress. In another room, easels around a platform wait patiently for the next class.

When I asked Franz what he hoped for in terms of Manifest’s impact on the community, he was quick to point out that his first mission is to support artists. 

“We’re not a community arts center. We’re an alternative arts education space,” he said. Those who participate at the studio include professional artists, professors and students. Franz said community members returning to a passion for art also participate at the studio.

Manifest Gallery pays 250 to 300 artists each year. The organization also has a printing arm. Its Clifton home has a bookstore. Many of the books showcase the work of the artists they promote. 

Manifest also has an artist residency program that provides space for one to four artists per year. The residency program provides studio space but does not currently provide housing. Franz said Manifest Gallery wants to be a permanent fixture in its community, thinking that artistic groups are essential to a quality neighborhood.

A common theme at Manifest and in Franz’ ethos is letting art speak for itself. “We stand for quality,” he said. He compared quality art to a successful restaurant — the food at the restaurant has the ability to draw a crowd. Franz said he believes in Manifest Gallery’s impact on the art scene. Its reputation is known in cities across the U.S., and he is okay if the organization has persisted under-the-radar. He noted the organization is “a quiet engine of high level creative endeavor.”

After graduating from the Art Academy, Franz spent 10 years at the Cincinnati Art Museum. While he was working at Xavier University, the beginnings of Manifest Gallery began to form. The space on Woodburn was chosen for its proximity to both universities, and the Art Academy. At that time, the Art Academy was located in Eden Park. Franz works mostly in drawing/painting. Twenty-one of his works were on view at the Weston Gallery in the recent Summerfair Select exhibition.

During a campaign and transition, Manifest Gallery remains on Woodburn. Its studio program, along with artist residency studios, are currently housed in Clifton, at the Central Parkway location. Once the capital campaign and building renovation are complete, the gallery will move to Clifton.

Manifest Gallery is located at 2727 Woodburn Ave. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m.