Connie Manna

Connie Manna’s paintings depict quiet, fleeting moments of both urban and rural scenes, at once familiar, yet surreal. The viewer seems to be caught in the space between contemplation and anticipation of an impending event. Light and shadow define both space and subject to convey a distinct surrealist mood which has been compared to the styles of both Edward Hopper and Magritte. Born and raised in the Bronx, Ms. Manna’s artistic journey began when she was offered a 4 year scholarship from F.I.T. based largely on her drawing of a bowl of wax fruit. Surprised by the generous offer, she asked why her entry was chosen. While her fellow hopefuls had created romantic, realistic versions of fruit, hers looked artificial. Unbeknownst to all the applicants, the criteria was for the drawing to resemble a bowl of artificial fruit. While she enjoyed dabbling in dress design in HS, she preferred the media arts which allowed her to draw and paint a wider variety of subject matter. She attended School of Visual Arts in NYC, where she earned her BFA. Ms. Manna pursued a freelance career in art direction, illustration and pre-press services, creating a client base of ad and travel agencies, trade magazines and newspapers and medical and educational journals. Her paintings have been in group and solo shows in NY, NJ, CT, DC and MI. A member of the Westport Artists Collective, and winner of the 2019, 2021 and 2025 Dan Long Sponsorship Grant through the Drew Friedman Foundation, Ms. Manna conducts En Plein Air classes for Westport Continuing Education, in addition to programs throughout Fairfield County and New York. 2025 Exhibitions and Events Feb 8-April 13 ArtsWestchester, 2025 Artists Exchange in White Plains, NY March 1-31 Westport Book Shop. Guest Exhibitor at the “Drew Friedman Art Place” April 2-6 Westport Country Playhouse at the Artists Collective pop up show in the barn May 13 Cardinal Spellman HS, Bronx, NY presentation and discussion of her painting FREEDOMLAND May 18 Eastchester Public Library, presentation and discussion of her painting FREEDOMLAND June 4 Mattatuck Museum, special event presentation and discussion of her painting FREEDOMLAND June 19 Harrison Public Library presentation and discussion of her painting FREEDOMLAND Two of Ms. Manna’s paintings were featured by Vivian Raynor in her NY Times review of the Castle Gallery show “In Your Own Backyard A professional teaching artist, Ms. Manna created Paint a Masterpiece a Day in 2014. This acrylic painting program is designed for artists of all ages and levels of experience, from beginner to professional.