Adam Manley

Adam Manley is a woodworking artist who has developed a personal style of functional construction methods, conceptual development, and material diversity. His work focuses on the relation to individualized sense of place, the familiarity of relationships to furniture, and the relationships between furniture and historical objects with violence.

Born in the Adirondack Mountains, NY, Manley grew up in a creative household with his carpenter father and weaver mother. Manley studied at The State University of New York at New Paltz where he received his B.A. in Political Science and International Relations and developed an interest in woodworking. After his studies, Manley and a few craft artists opened a small gallery and studio where he practiced his craft while working as professional furniture maker. Manley later studied at San Diego State University where he received his M.F.A. in Furniture and Woodworking and focused on creating sculptural work using furniture as a guide.

Manley has an extensive teaching history, having taught at several institutions including the Maine College of Art, the University of New Hampshire, and Haystack Mountain College. Manley is currently Assistant Professor of Furniture Design and Woodworking at San Diego State University. 

Manley has been the recipient of the Provost’s Purchase Award, the Paul Lingren Fellowship, the Windgate Residency Fellowship, and several more.