John Manley is a master ceramicist specializing in high fire reduction and post fire reduction methods. His appreciation of wild nature in the mountains and oceans influence the color palette and forms he draws upon for his work. He was born in Denver Colorado in 1967. His introduction to art began in childhood. He has achieved thrown ceramics, paintings and drawings from 1978. John received honors with several awards through high school in both art mediums. Other than the passion of skiing and surfing, there was no falter to John's dedication to the arts through college. The solitude and peace of mind experienced every time he works in rhythm on the potter’s wheel brings the myriad creative objects. It is a romance between earth and fire that makes his deep relationship and love for clay. He studied at Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs, Sierra Nevada College Lake Tahoe and Cuesta College Morro Bay, CA. After a well-rounded education in graphic art and fine art, He shifted all his attention into 3D art. At first, working with the teaching staff at Cuesta College as a laboratory assistant teaching, sculpting, bronze foundry, mixing clay and glazes all while living in Morro Bay. Then love found a way into life. The strong and unavoidable appeal of starting a family as a studio potter led them to Blossom Hill Crafts pottery school in Los Gatos, CA. John learned the ropes of the art fair circuit during summertime in college by apprenticing with his mentor Rodney Mott. Seminars, apprenticeships and assistant jobs with many of our nations most acclaimed ceramicists during college paved a broad foundation and skill set to easily launch his career as a potter. The timing was lucky. John was privileged to learn from Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner, Daniel Rhodes, Jack Troy, Fred Olsen, Katherine Heirsoux and Otto and Vivika Heino. After four years of building a successful business, the young Manley family bought their first home on a acre of land in beautiful Washoe Valley, Nevada where John still lives and produces today for 30 years.

John is an award-winning artist in the fine art festival industry for 35 years. He has relationships with art galleries across the United States. He has also spent many years as a dedicated arts educator and artist advocate within and across creative communities, public and private schools and individuals. In 2005, John played a paramount role passing Nevada Assembly Bill 351 that established public parks to allow artists to display and sell their work in public with no costs.