Karen Maness [email protected] | 512.799.7528 | www.karenmaness.com
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
Whittier College, Scholars Program B.A., Studio Art and Theatrical Design
Cobalt Studios, White Lake, NY Advanced Studies in Translucent Backdrop Painting
The Florence Academy of Art Academic Drawing, 19th Century Italian Landscape Painting, Human Anatomy, Academic Figurative Painting
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Department of Theatre & Dance, Live Design Faculty, Lecturer 2003-Present
School of Design and Creative Technology Faculty, Lecturer 2020-Present
Scenic Art, Advanced Scenic Art, Environmental Rendering, Figurative Painting/Costume Rendering, Fabric Representation for Design, Performance as Collaborative Practice, Texas Applied Arts Courses: Enron Raptors, Practical Special Effects, Creek Monster Habitat Project – Creekshow 2019 and Earth Day 2020, Performance Robots 2020, Waller Creek Project 2021.
Experiential Learning Initiative and Faculty Innovation Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX - Engaging Community Partners and Outside Audiences, “Performance and Fine Arts for Public Audiences” J.E. Johnson/Karen Maness, Dept. of Theatre and Dance (2020)
The University of KY, Louisville, Presenting Guest Artist -Master Class, Translucent Backdrop Painting with Rachel Keebler, Jamie Clausius, and Bridgette Dennett (2018)
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Department of Theatre & Dance, Guest Faculty Lecturer: Languages of the Stage, Theatrical Production and The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (2015)
California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA Guest Lecturer, Hollywood Motion Picture Scenic Art (2016) Presenting Artist for graduate Scenic Art program, silk painting (2013)
University of Texas at Austin, Texas Performing Arts, Austin, TX Presenting Artist and Lecturer: Ultraviolet Light painting, translucent backdrop painting, and lighting team taught with professor Kathryn Eader of St. Edward’s University (2013)
St. Edwards University, Austin, TX Guest Lecturer: Scenic Art in Regional Theatre (2006)
University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL Presenting Guest Artist- translucent backdrop painting master class (2006)
University of Texas at Austin, Texas Performing Arts - Master Class, “From Pixel to Bristol” Taught pneumatic paint techniques for interpreting digital imagery (2001)
The Costa Rica Center for Science and Culture, Center for Advanced Study in the Arts, Institute for Digital Performing Arts, San Jose, Costa Rica Presenting Artist and Lecturer, ArtesAméricas Program From the Studio to the Stage: Scenic Art Master Class (2005)
Cal State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA Presenting Guest Artist-Master Class, From Pixel to Bristol: Pneumatic Spray techniques. Artists: Bob Moody, Rachel Keebler, Karen Maness and Mary Heilman, (2001)
Whittier College, Whittier, CA Guest Lecturer: Scenic Art in Regional Theatre (1998)
University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA Guest Artist: Oklahoma, Miser of Mexico, independent study advisor and commissioned artist (1998)
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL ART AND DESIGN APPOINTMENTS
McNay Museum of Art- Design of Tim Burton exhibit backdrop (Feb 2020)
McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX. Commissioned to design and lead student painting team in execution of 148’ mural “The Sky’s the Limit” completed (May 2019)
Universal Creative, Hand painted concept art - interior mural - Hagrid’s Magical Motorcycle Ride Universal Studios Orlando themed attraction. (Nov 2018)
Atelier Dojo Instructor, Painting the Costumed Figure, Austin, TX (May 2019)
Co-Founded Atelier Dojo, LLC with Austin figurative artists Denise Fulton, Jennifer Balkan, and Karen Offutt, Austin, TX (2018)
Bob Bullock Cool Summer Nights, Texas History Museum-Featured Artist (July 2018)
The Enron Raptors, Texas Applied Arts Exhibition Design, Bass Concert Hall (2018)
Texas Performing Arts -The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Scenic Art Supervisor, overseeing scenic art for all theatrical productions for UT Department of Theatre & Dance and The Butler School of Music (1999 to date)
Michael Raiford Design, Consultant for production of The Wizard of OZ (2018)
The Art Directors Guild Archives - Backdrop Recovery Project Recover and document 207 MGM historic motion picture backdrops Sony Studios, Culver City, CA (2017)
Walt Disney Imagineer Professional Development - Austin, TX Trompe l’oeil painting - scenic art weekend intensive (2017)
Killis Almond Architect and WJHW, San Antonio, TX Historic Recreation of San Angelo Theatre Fire Curtain backdrop (2016)
Paper Chairs, Austin, TX, Art Show Model Show- Artist, performer, poster art (2013)
Michael Crowley Productions, Austin, TX Hayes Carll Lovers and Leavers tour backdrop (2016), Bruce and Kelly Willis tour backdrop (2013)
American Taekwondo Association, Little Rock, AR Design and fabrication of 20’x60’ Korean Sumi-Style Masters Ceremony Curtain, Conceptual Design for future ATA headquarter in Little Rock (2013)
Zach Theatre, Austin, TX Charge Scenic Artist Les Misérables Backdrop, Tour Production Consultant (2013) Charge Scenic Artist and consultant for various productions (2000-2006)
Chula Vista High School for the Creative and Performing Arts-Chula Vista, CA Guest Artist/Designer/Muralist of “Rhapsody in Blue”, 75’ mural in the City of Chula Vista Public Art Collection (2008)
Harry Ransom Center, Austin, TX Designer and Artist, Arthur Miller Exhibition “Rehearsing the American Dream” (2007)
Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin, TX Designer and muralist for Starbucks “Austin Bound Mural” (2005)
South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA Staff Scenic Artist for forty-seven productions with leading national designers South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA Scenic Design and Scenic Artist (1995-1999), Latinologues, Director: Rick Najera (1998)
Disneyland Entertainment, Anaheim, CA Assistant Charge Scenic Artist to Mary Heilman, MULAN Parade-floats (1998)
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA Scenic Artist/Sculptor (1993-1996)
George and Goldberg Design Associates, Paramount, CA Scenic Artist: Industrial display, theme park, cruise ship, backdrops and stage setting for touring music groups. (1991-1999)
Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles, CA Scenic Artist, Nine Armenians-scrim backdrop, Designer: Ralph Funicello (1997)
The State Theatre, Austin, TX Charge Scenic Artist, Proof, and The Dinosaur Within, Designer: Hugh Landwehr (2002) Charge Scenic Artist, Glass Menagerie, Designer: Christopher McCollum (2001) Charge Scenic Artist, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Designer: Richard Isackes (2000)
Movie Magic, Universal City, Universal Studios, CA Scenic Artist, Tokyo Theme Park Attraction film (1999)
San Diego Comic Opera, San Diego, CA Scene Designer/Scenic Artist Anything Goes (1997), The Chocolate Soldier (1995)
SPEAKING APPEARANCES
KTEP Radio, OnFilm Radio Interview “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (March 2020)
KXAN Austin, Todd Boatright Interview “Hollywood Backdrops” (April 2020)
CBS Sunday Morning, “Behind the Scenes” – Hollywood Backdrops (Feb 9, 2020)
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre & Dance, KJ Sanchez MFA Directing Course Guest Speaker, “Composition for the Stage”, Austin, TX (Oct 2019)
Austin Women’s Club, “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop”, Austin, TX (Sep 2019)
Culver City Historical Society, “The Lost Paintings of MGM”, Culver City, CA (July 2019)
Big 12 Teaching and Learning Conference, teaching collaboration and soft skills through project-based learning at Texas Applied Arts, Austin, TX (May 2019)
The United Sates Institute of Theatre Technology, “The Lost Paintings of MGM”, Louisville, KY (March 2019)
Infinity Film Festival, “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, Preservation, and 4k Film Restoration” with Schawn Belston of 20th Century Fox. Preceding the screening of the newly restored Sound of Music, Beverly Hills, CA (Nov 2018)
IAPPA presentation paper “Soft Skills with Teeth” Orlando, FL (2018) UT Austin Faculty Innovation Center, teaching collaboration through project-based learning at Texas Applied Arts (2018)
AIAA Principles Breakfast, “Inspiring Creativity”, with J.E. Johnson Austin, TX (2018)
LAMP and NOVA presentations at UT Austin “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” Austin, TX (2018)
ROXY Cinema, “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” and screening of NXNW, Tribeca, NY (2018)
“An Evening with Karen Maness- An historic look into The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” Georgetown, Texas (2017)
LA Times Festival of Books, USC, Los Angeles, CA. “Hooray for Classic Hollywood” Moderated by M.G. Lord with authors John Lewis, Kenneth Turan, and Glen Frankel (2017)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Kansas City, MO Scenic Art for Television (2017)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Kansas City, MO Teaching Art Direction and Production Design (2017)
The Getty, Los Angeles, CA “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” research presentation and lecture (2017)
SXSW, Austin, TX Presenter “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (2017)
Austin Art League One, Austin, TX Guest Author and Lecturer “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (2017)
Spartscast, Portland, OR Interview with Geno Franco, “Scenic Art and The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (2017)
829 United Scenic Artists, New York, NY Guest Author and Lecturer “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (2016)
Austin Film Society, Austin, TX Guest Author and Lecturer “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” (2016)
ADG 800, MavenCraft Studios, San Fernando, CA “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” Panel discussion with Hollywood Scenic Artists and Author Karen Maness, moderated by Thomas A. Walsh (2016)
Book People, Austin, TX “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” lecture and presentation with Co-Author Richard Isackes (2016)
KUTX, Austin, TX “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” interview with John Ailey and Co-Authors Richard M. Isackes and Karen L. Maness (2016)
"The Larry Corley Show" WQNA Radio in Springfield, IL Interview with Larry Corley about scenic art career and The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (2016)
“Coffee with Candace –in the studio with artist Karen Maness” Web series (2016)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Salt Lake City, UT “Hidden Giants” Motion Picture Backdrop Painting, (2015)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology, “Don’t Breathe Just Paint” Safe practices for the paint shop with Monona Rossol, Louisville, KY (2006)
ACADEMIC SERVICE
McNay/Texas Performing Arts Exhibition, Co-Curator Hollywood’s Sistine Chapel: Devine Designs from Stage to Screen (September 10, 2020-April 4, 2021)
Secured the acquisition of 45 Historic MGM motion picture backdrops through the Art Directors Guild Backdrop Recovery Project, for educational use at the University of Texas at Austin (2019)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Director (2014-2020)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Props Lab Facilitator and Coordinator, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2018)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology VC for Projects and Symposia (2014-2018)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Commissioner, Scene Design: USITT Scene Design Commission (2007-2013)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Vice Commissioner of Conference Programming: USITT Scene Design (2007-2008)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Vice-Commissioner of Scenic Art: USITT Scene Design Commission (2004-2006)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology National Conference Steering Committee Member (2010-2013)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology-Exhibition Curator “Evolution of a Designer” USITT National Conference, Kansas City, MO (2010)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology-Session Chair USITT Toronto Professional Development Workshop; “Backdrop Layout Canadian Opera Company” Guest instructors: Susan Crabtree and Howard Jones (2005)
United States Institute of Theatre Technology- Session Chair Long Beach, CA “The Genie is out of the Bottle”: Interpreting computer generated paint elevations. Guest Panelists, Designers: Ralph Funicello and Robert Schmidt, Scenic Artists: Mary Heilman and Rachel Keebler (2001)
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
Texas Skies - Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX July - October (2019)
Radical Realism: Refigured - Dougherty Art Center, Austin, TX (2018)
Art Unites- Art Directors Guild Gallery 800, Hollywood, CA (2017)
Build Hope Not Walls-– Canopy, Austin TX (2017)
WIDE OPEN – Shawn Camp, Rebecca Bennett, Karen Maness, Georgetown Art Center, Georgetown, TX (2017)
Painting Through Time: Art Directors Guild Gallery 800, Hollywood, CA (2017)
Painters Painting Painters: Faces of Art in Austin, Davis Gallery, Austin, TX (2016)
Women Painting Women: Texas - Georgetown Art Center, Georgetown, TX (2015)
LOOK WEST- West Austin Studio Tour - dwg. Urban Landscape Architecture, Austin, TX (2014, 2015)
To Sea- West Austin Studio Tour - dwg Urban Landscape Architecture, Austin, TX (2013)
The People’s Gallery Austin City Hall, Austin, TX (2010, 2011, 2013)
East Austin Studio Tour, Austin, TX (2004-2017)
Generous Art Austin - Sims Foundation, Gensler Exhibition, I live here I give here, Generous Giving Exhibition, Penn Field Austin, TX (2010-2013)
Texas Lutheran University, Maness Exhibition - Seguin, TX (2008)
Austin Figurative Gallery-Maness Exhibition - Austin, TX (2007) Art Amici Gallery, Group Exhibition, Austin, TX (2004)
Through the Eyes of a Woman-Maness Exhibition, Menden Hall Gallery, Whittier, CA (1995)
Women’s History Month Feminist Exhibition, California State University Los Angeles, group exhibition-Los Angeles, CA (1995)
SELECTED AWARDS
Austin Monthly Magazine -Best of ATX 2020: Culture & Rec (April 2020) Cinematic Preservation: UT’s Collection of Historic Hollywood Backdrops
Green Fund Grant Recipient for Creek Monster Habitat Project, CREEKSHOW 2019 and Earth Day 2020 (2019)
University of Texas at Austin Academic Enrichment Fund Grant fall 2019, Guest Artist Support for Special Projects Des/Fab Creek Monster Habitat class. $3000.00 (2019)
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, Creekshow commissioned artist team -Creek Monster Habitat 2019. (2019)
B. Iden Payne Award (2018) Enron Raptors
Austin Chronicle “Jurassic Spark” Award, June (2018)
Austin Critics Choice Award, Enron Raptors Technical Design (2018) USITT Oscar G. Brocket Golden Pen Award, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (2018) Austin Chronicle top 10 Artists curated list, East Austin Studio Tour (2017) University of Texas at Austin Cohen Hamilton Faculty Literary Award- Runner Up - The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (2017) New York Book Show, 1st place in Fine Art over $75.00 The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (2017) Georgetown Art Center, Art Hop, 2nd place award for landscape painting, Georgetown, TX (2014) University of Texas at Austin, College of Fine Arts-Texas Performing Arts Employee of the Semester (Fall 2017) University of Texas at Austin, Travel Grant, San Jose, Costa Rica (2005) University of Texas at Austin, Travel Grant, Florence Academy of Art (2001, 2003)
University of Texas at Austin, Travel Grant, Cobalt Studios, White Lake, NY (2001) University of Texas at Austin, College of Fine Arts Staff Excellence Award (2000-2001)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology OISTAT, Portrait Society of America, TEA Portrait Society Cecilia Beaux Austin Creative Arts Alliance
PUBLICATIONS
“Soft skills with teeth: Creating authentic learning environments with charismatic megaproject”, Authors J.E. Johnson and Karen Maness, Journal of Themed Experience and Attractions Studies, Vol. 1 Iss. 1 2018
“Hollywood Motion Picture Scenic Artists and the Wilshire Blvd Scottish Rite Backdrop Collection”, Foreword for Marciano Foundation Scottish Rite Backdrop book written October 2018. Publication date pending.
“Preserving A Legacy: Backdrop Recovery Project”, Perspective: A Journal of the Art Directors Guild, Authors Tom Walsh and Karen L. Maness, January-February 2018
The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, Authors Richard M. Isackes and Karen L. Maness, Regan Arts, 2016
“Scenic Art and The Sight-Size Method”, The Painter’s Journal: Volume 4, Number 3, Winter 2006
SELECTED REVIEWS
Adam Savage’s Tested – “Norms Favorite Things from 2020” December 2020
ARTS NEXT – There’s a Monster in the College of Fine Arts - April 2020
Texas Connect Magazine – Spring 2020 Hollywood Backdrops
Oprah Magazine- July 2020
Texas Monthly – Summer 2020
LA Times, Cover Story, How 200 Historic Backdrops were saved from the dumpster, Mary McNamara December 20, 2019
UT COFA, Arts Next, Creek Monster Habitat, Spring 2020
Daily Texan, Students Create “Creek Monster Habitat” for Waller Creek Show, November,2019
Biodiversity UTexas News, Invasives Make a Splash at the Creek Show, November 2019
Austin Monthly, New Art Exhibitions you need to see in November, November,2019
KXAN, Top Stories, A Creek Monster, A Ghost Boat, and more beckon visitors to Creek Show, November,2019
CBS Austin, We Are Austin, An Illuminating Experience at Waterloo Greenway Creek Show, November,2019
Moody College of Communication, Digitally Enhanced by Physical Touch, Interdisciplinary course combines practical, visual storytelling effects, by Mark Speir, Fall 2019
UT COFA, Arts Next, Texas Applied Arts Practical Special Effects, Fall 2019
Austin American Statesman, Looking out of their window felt like a prison, July 21, 2019
Guild of Scenic Artists Blog, Translucency or Bust, Jamie Clausius, July 19, 2019
Daily Texan Online, Fine arts team transforms McCombs wall into a skyscape mural July 10, 2019
UT College of Fine Arts Online, Texas, Feature, New Mural created by fine arts team transforms dreary wall into colorful skyscape, May 29, 2019
Culture Trip, 10 Contemporary Artists from Austin to Know, North America, USA, Texas, Austin March 4, 2019
The Austin Chronicle, Fabulous Realism at Atelier Dojo's Art Gym, Wayne Allen Brenner, November 16, 2018
UT COFA, Arts Next, Jurassic Quest, Spring 2018
EAST Magazine Women in Business, Atelier Dojo September 2018
EAST Magazine -Creative Resistance article, East Austin Studio Tour Featured Artist October 2018
Texas Performing Arts season brochure, “EnRAPTORed with J.E. Johnson and Karen Maness”, by Brittany Worthington January 2018
Sight & Sound, The Lost Worlds, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, reviewed by Isabel Stevens June 2017
Perspective: A Journal of the Art Directors Guild, “The best book written about one of our crafts…ever” by Michael Baugh January 2017
The Wall Street Journal, “Hollywood’s Scenic Secrets Bared. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop’ celebrates the artists who painted some of film’s most famous scenes”, by Brenda Cronin Oct. 19, 2016
Time.com, “These Painted Backdrops Brought Life to Classic Hollywood Scenes”, by Sarah Begley Nov. 1, 2016
Hyperallergenic, “The Underappreciated Art of the Hollywood Backdrop”, by Allison Meier November 21, 2016
The Hollywood Reporter, “The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, From Munchkinland to Mount Rushmore”, by Cathy Whitlock October 21, 2016
NY Magazine, Revisiting Hollywood’s Most Memorable Landscapes, Before the Age of CGI, By Vulture Editors, October 31, 2016, issue of New York Magazine
The Austin Chronicle Gift Guide 2016: Holiday Grab Bag, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop by Richard M. Isackes and Karen L. Maness REVIEWED BY JESSI CAPE, FRI., DEC. 16, 2016
Good Morning America, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop - Lara Spencer’s Pick for 2016 Must-Read Holiday book, Dec 20, 2016 7:44AM ET ABC News
LA Magazine, These Stunning Photos Reveal the Forgotten Art of Painted Movie Backdrops The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop documents the artists whose work is central to classic films, November 4, 2016 Thomas Harlander
Harry Ransom Center Cultural Compass, “Behind the real magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age” Marissa Kessenich Nov 30, 2016
The Austin American Statesman, Austin 360 “Art by women, about women” (2015)
The Painter’s Journal: Volume 2, Number 1, “Paintmento” by Cliff Simon, Spring (2004)
The Austin Chronicle "Sisters Under the Scrim" by Molly Beth Brenner, September (2003)
The University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts, Daily Texas “The Scenester” by Trevor Rosen (2003)