Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mannisi
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From my first art history class in high school, I was hooked. The subject combined so many things that I’m passionate about – not just art, but also history, social and political issues, world cultures, science, and more.
I went on to earn a bachelor’s in Art History from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, master’s work in Art History at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a graduate degree in Museum Studies at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
After completing an internship during my graduate work, I was very fortunate to be hired on as the curatorial assistant of the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center at Southwestern Illinois College, and was soon promoted to assistant curator, cutting my teeth in all aspects of the museum/gallery field.
After 8 years at the Schmidt, I transitioned to independent curating and consulting, gaining new skill sets working one-on-one with regional artists, curating the permanent collection for the Angad Arts Hotel with Art Saint Louis, and revamping and leading the curatorial programs at Houska Gallery.
Since 2020, I’ve been the director of exhibitions at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, Missouri, directing the exhibition programs for the Main Galleries and organizing the Foundry’s large-scale art events and programs, including the annual Block Party, Tattoo Arts & Crafts Fair, Fire Arts Fest, Grand Hall Mural Project, and the First Friday Series.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not!
Though I knew I wanted to do something in the art history field, I struggled with finding the right career path for me. Initially, I wanted to be a university professor, but after a year in grad school working towards that goal I realized I had no interest in publishing. I was also intrigued by art conservation, but didn’t want to spend what seemed like a lifetime in school and training. I felt lost, not sure if I had chosen the right field. I took a year “sabbatical” to re-evaluate and research, and with the help of my now-husband, I came to discover that museum and gallery work was where I was meant to be. I was very fortunate to find the Museum Studies program at SIUE, and after a chat with the program’s advisor (the incredible Dr. Fowler), I knew I was back on track.
Years later into my career, with the Illinois Budget Impasse, I was unexpectedly laid off. Losing a job that I not only loved, but for which I was earning praise, was a huge blow. I was turned down by countless job prospects, and with a finite number of curatorial positions available in the area at the time, I hit a dead-end. Contemplating a career change was soul crushing.
Very, very fortunately, several arts professionals and artists reached out and took a chance on me, allowing me to continue doing what I’m so passionate about – working with regional artists to elevate the local arts community. I learned A LOT along the way, and looking at where I am now and what I went through, I’m actually grateful for that layoff.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Name just about anything in a gallery/museum setting and I can tell you I’ve done it. Currently, as the director of exhibitions at the Foundry Art Centre, I’m also the curator, preparator, and art event coordinator. I also assist with web/social media, marketing, managing the gift shop, and more.
The Foundry is huge, and I like to think huge.
The primary facet of my position is determining the curatorial direction of most public-facing art that you see in the Foundry. The 3600sqft Main Galleries are under my purview, so a large chunk of my time is spent there: researching artists and contemporary art trends, meeting with potential artists in their studios, creating the exhibitions schedule, working with exhibiting artists, installing the exhibitions, and marketing the artists and their works.
I’m also proud to be the lead for our large-scale art festivals – the Block Party, the Tattoo Arts & Crafts Fair, Merry Makers Market, and our new baby the Fire Arts Fest.
Our Block Party is our annual summer steamroller printing event, now entering its 5th year. Working with printmakers and area print shops, the Block Party aims to showcase all types of printmaking, including the signature event of large woodblock prints made with a steamroller! It has become wildly successful, drawing in over 4,000 visitors each year. It’s amazing to shine a spotlight on the incredible printmakers from the region and beyond.
I’m hoping to strike lighting twice with the introduction of the Fire Arts Fest, our new annual winter festival, which will feature art made with heat and fire – think glass, ceramics, encaustics, metal works, and fire performers.
In everything I do, I strive to get people excited about art. Some of my best conversations have been with visitors that feel that they aren’t “an art person” and that art isn’t for them. Art is for everyone. The drive to create is inherent in each of us, we just have to be reminded of that from time to time and discover, or rediscover what resonates.
To this end, I’ve put on some exhibitions that are really outside the box, such Wag: an exhibition FOR dogs that was mounted at the beginning of 2024. The exhibition really was curated for dogs, with artwork that wasn’t only dog-themed, but also catered to dogs – almost everything was hung at dog eye level, the works were all in dog-friendly color palettes, and we even planted scented items behind artwork to entice our four legged visitors. But it wasn’t just a gimmick. There were some incredible artists featured in the show, and those who didn’t bring their pets along enjoyed the exhibition just as much as pet owners did. I think it was a perfect reminder that art can be fun.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Despite the ever-evolving nature of the art world, I feel that the museum and gallery field can be slow to change. I would love to see an increase in pace of exhibiting a wider range of artists and artistic practices. More can be done in leveling the playing field in regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion, so hopefully a much bigger shift will take place in that regard, as well as highlighting the voices speaking to the current socio-political and environmental challenges we’re facing.
More locally, I’d like to see more of our regional institutions focus on the incredible talent we have right here at home. St. Louis has no shortage of amazing artists and diverse perspectives, but the opportunities for these artists to present their work regionally are very limited. We need to do better by our own artists in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicamannisi.com
- Instagram: @jessica_mannisi
