RAÚL MANZANO is a versatile artist, author, and scholar whose paintings have graced prestigious venues worldwide. His work has been exhibited in consulates, museums, galleries, and community centers across Canada, Spain, Israel, and the United States.
In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Manzano has contributed significantly to the scholarly and professional sphere. He authored his first drawing book, has written peer-reviewed essays and newsletter articles, and created illustrations for various publications. He has presented at conferences, served as a juror for exhibition panels, and delivered lectures at prominent New York City museums.
Manzano holds a doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Museum Studies concentration from Union Institute & University. He earned an M.A. from SUNY/Empire State University and a B.F.A from the School of Visual Arts.
During his presidency (1996-2001) of New York’s West Side Arts Coalition, Manzano reshaped the organization’s vision with exhibitions that addressed contemporary issues such as AIDS, 9/11, the environment, and cultural heritage. He co-organized the first international exhibition at the Khan Museum in Ashkelon, Israel, receiving the Medal of the City from Mayor Benny Vaknin.
Manzano’s influence extended through exhibitions at venues like the Arsenal Gallery, NYC public libraries, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Gallery. He garnered recognition awards from Associación de Hijos y Amigos de Colombia and Farleigh Dickinson University, along with an individual artist grant from the Puffin Foundation, Ltd.
At SUNY/Empire State University, Manzano has mentored students, taught art history, painting, and drawing courses, and organized exhibitions. He founded the Livingston Gallery, curating cultural exhibitions for Hispanic Heritage, Black History, and Caribbean Heritage. He also directed the School of Visual Arts “Painting in Barcelona” program from 2000-2017.
Manzano’s philanthropic spirit shines through his art, raising funds for charitable causes. He contributed to the Prevailing Human Spirit exhibition for September 11 Charities, co-curated the “AIDS Awareness” exhibition, and donated proceeds from his debut show in Toronto, Canada to aid disaster victims in Armero, Colombia. He supported fundraising for Verizon’s New York Hispanic Support Organization Scholarship Fund and Long Island for Colombia housing for the poor “Proyecto Buenaventura 2006.”
While his art often raises awareness about social issues, Manzano finds joy in creating art that conveys complex ideas or the beauty of nature. His work reflects his imagination, whether through symbolic or organic forms, vivid colors, or the freedom of outdoor sketching, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with his creations.
