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MANIFEST STAFF
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Jason Franz
Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator
Visual Artist and Educator
e-mail
Jason Franz is the Chief Operating Officer of Manifest and serves on its board of directors. In this role, he oversees all programs and operations, and leads the organization’s programming and philosophy. On the ground, he directs exhibitions, including the jury process, and the development of Manifest’s publications and educational studio initiatives.
A Cincinnati native, Jason earned his BFA from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 1988 and his MFA in Painting from the University of Cincinnati in 1998. He worked for over a decade at the Cincinnati Art Museum as exhibition designer and preparator, playing a key role in establishing the museum’s Exhibition Design Department. His academic career included faculty positions at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University, where he led the painting and drawing programs and helped launch multiple initiatives, including a student art organization and photography curriculum.
Jason co-founded Manifest in 2004, bringing together his passions for curatorial practice, arts education, and community building. Under his leadership, Manifest has expanded its exhibition and studio programs, launched the Drawing Center and photography darkroom, and acquired a permanent home on Central Parkway. He also created and instructed Manifest’s Lyceum program—an intensive, year-long co-learning experience focused on the pursuit of quality in art and culture.
A practicing artist and educator, Jason has received numerous awards and grants, including an Ohio Arts Council Fellowship, Xavier University Faculty Development Grant, teacing awards at the University of Cincinnati, and multiple IPPY awards for his work with Manifest Press. He has presented nationally on drawing, art philosophy, and the mission of Manifest, and continues to exhibit his work across the U.S.
Jason brings to Manifest a unique blend of museum professionalism, studio discipline, and pedagogical insight—fueling the organization’s mission to stand for quality in the visual arts.
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Erin Corley
Operations Manager
Visual Artist and Educator
e-mail
We welcomed Erin to the Manifest team in November 2017. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Erin received her BFA from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning with dual concentrations in both Photography and Printmaking. Following graduation, she relocated to Savannah, Georgia to attend the graduate program at the Savannah College of Art and Design where she received her MFA in Photography, and later went on to work with a non-profit organization in Upstate New York. There she served in an administrative capacity while utilizing her creative background to develop much of the organization’s marketing material. Her time in the non-profit world cultivated a love for philanthropy and community involvement that continues to inform her life. Erin has maintained a connection with Manifest throughout the years, having participated in our competitive juried exhibitions and publications from as early as 2007. She returned to Cincinnati in 2015, and is excited to help foster and support Manifest’s mission in the years to come, offering unique strengths resulting from the blend of her academic and creative backgrounds with her non-profit business experience.
As the Operations Manager, Erin is involved in much of the internal on-site business of the organization. This includes communications with donors, members, board members, staff, and grantors, as well as the general accounting associated with a non-profit business, translating organizational vision and on-the-ground operational strategies to all staff and volunteers, and serving as the common denominator between board, administration, and staff. She also heads up the publication distribution for Manifest Press, and plays a key role in the coordination and production of Manifest's books.
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Katie Baker
Senior Exhibition Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant
Visual Artist and Educator
e-mail
Katie joined Manifest in September 2012 after completing her MFA at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Originally from Villa Hills, Kentucky, she received her BFA in painting and drawing, and a BA in English composition from Northern Kentucky University. Upon her arrival Katie brought three years of university teaching experience (life drawing, basic drawing, digital photography, and design), grant writing experience, and gallery experience to her role at Manifest.
Over the years Katie has been involved in many aspects of Manifest's evolution, playing a key role in the organization's success. She continues to be responsible for overseeing the nuts and bolts of exhibition installation, artwork coming/going, intern recruitment and training, aspects of exhibit documentation and promotion, and overall presentation of the galleries. With her long tenure at Manifest she also supports organizational development, curatorial efforts, and teaches the occasional special course within Manifest's Drawing Center program.
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photo by Nikita Gross
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Kevin Leigh-Manuell
Studio Program Manager
Visual Artist and Educator
e-mail
Kevin joined Manifest’s team in May of 2023. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, he received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saint Francis with a focus in studio arts. In 2012, Kevin relocated to Philadelphia to attend the graduate program at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art were he received his Master’s of Fine Art with a concentration in drawing.
Following his graduate studies, Kevin began a career with a non-profit organization in New Jersey, where he developed curriculum and instructed youth art programs. During this time he was able to combine his artistic expertise with a passion for meaningful community development and outreach. Kevin has taught drawing, figure drawing and color theory with Brookdale Community College in New Jersey, as well as drawing fundamentals with the University of Cincinnati.
Kevin joined Manifest at the turn of its 20th season, and during a time of growth and maturation for our artist-run organization. His efforts are focused on managing Manifest's expanding educational studio programs, and a robust team of instructors, staff, and studio volunteers in our new home on Central Parkway.
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Taryn Zust
Operations Assistant
Visual Artist
e-mail
Taryn first joined Manifest as an intern in January of 2018. She was our first co-op student from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Fine Arts program. Taryn proved herself to be such a great fit within our small team and organization that we hired her as Operations Assistant once her academic co-op concluded.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Taryn completed her BFA with special interest in drawing, printmaking, and sculpture at the University of Cincinnati. Her interest in art and design has been cultivated by a vibrant local art scene, imparting a passion for craftsmanship and quality and those centers that further the connection between community and creative exploration.
Taryn’s job at Manifest serves as a supportive connector between the large work and projects handled by our program and administrative staff. With a keen eye for detail, a refined command of the written word, and a can-do attitude, Taryn brings a vibrant enthusiasm to our team, helping Manifest to realize many of its behind the scenes efforts all while supporting artists and carrying on our mission for quality.
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Vernay Monroe
Exhibitions and Studio Program Assistant
Visual Artist
e-mail
Vernay joined Manifest in mid-2021 as part of the co-op program of the School of Art at the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP). His charm, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn proved we couldn't live without him, so when his one-semester co-op appointment ended we hired him to fill the new position of Education and Studio Program Assistant which expanded to include Exhibitions support in 2023. While working at Manifest part-time, Vernay continued his studies in the School of Art at DAAP earning his BFA degree in May 2023.
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Alyssa Baker
Printmaking Studio Technician
Visual Artist
e-mail
Alyssa joined Manifest in February 2026 as the organization’s first dedicated printmaking staffer. Charged with outfitting and supporting the newly built printmaking studio, she brings both technical expertise and an active studio practice as a Cincinnati-based printmaker and mixed-media artist. Alyssa earned her BFA with a concentration in printmaking from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning in 2025 and is currently an MFA candidate in the low-residency program at Clark University. Her graduate-level study contributes an added layer of critical engagement and national connection to Manifest’s emerging printmaking program. Deeply passionate about the history of printmaking and the communities that sustain it, she holds a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and process. Through Manifest’s new printmaking studio, Alyssa is thrilled to share her enthusiasm for print with the broader Manifest community.
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CURRENT STUDENT INTERNS, CO-OPS, and VOLUNTEER STAFF (people you may see around Manifest)
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Juhi Bokey
Gallery and Drawing Center Intern, Spring 2026
Juhi Bokey is a Fine Artist currently in her third year of pursuing a BFA in the School of Art at the University of Cincinnati’s College of DAAP.
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PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS
Scores of highly qualified professionals volunteering to support Manifest programs in the areas of education, design, grant writing, and with other key organizational needs have contributed to Manifest's two-decades of growth and programming impact.
Current and former paid instructors and current volunteers in our studio program are listed here.
Those interested in supporting Manifest with the gift of time and expertise can email us here to discuss options to do so.
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From the Archives
Most of Manifest's staff and board of directors on May 24, 2022
(At memorial celebration prior to the launch of programming at M1 - Manifest's new permanent campus).
Pictured left to right: Shelby Shadwell (2021-2022 artist in residence),
Alexandra Franz (instructor and studio moderator), Erin Corley (operations manager), Brigid O'Kane (co-founder, board member), Chris Coy (board president), Gabe Applegate (board member), Laura Blackorby (board member), William Williams (board member), Debbie Heuer (former president, emeritus board member), Carrie Pollick (board member), Katie Baker (senior exhibition coordinator and curatorial assistant), Adam Mysock (education and studio program manager), Andrew Beiting (board member), Jason Franz (co-founder, executive director), Vernay Monroe (program assistant).
Manifest staff on July 23, 2013 (Planning meeting in 'Unit 3').
Pictured left to right: Tim Parsley, Michelle Sanchez, Katie Baker, and Jason Franz.
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