Mana Fine Arts

An amazing 1 million square foot space with amazing art exhibitions

An artists' paradise.
It truly is... Does it have a very artist bourgeoisie vibe to it all? Absolutely.
But nothing beats seeing artists at work. It's amazing to witness the creative process.
I'm sorry I'm a writer and I would HATE people speculating as I write but alas writing requires a different creative process that requires SILENCE & definitely no one looking over your shoulder. So kudos to these artists for being kind enough to answer questions and let strangers into their creative space.
I even had a conversation with an artist about her inspiration and her reason behind choosing water as the focal point of her sculptures.
Awesome stuff. I'm always so inspired by what inspires others & artists are always my kind of people... Well, the sane down to earth ones.

Big open spaces. Individualized artist studios-- interesting to see how artists decorate their spaces. I wonder how would I decorate mine if I had such a place? Like can I live here? I would love to but this area is quite desolate and a little too far from Manhattan by train and foot... Unfortunately a place like this wouldn't exist in Manhattan so push yourself to go!
Yeah I'm talking to NYers like me who think Jersey is a different country, it does feel like it but that doesn't mean this place isn't worth the trip! ....It's not THAT bad.

Wow! Cannot say enough about the Mana organization. What a phenomenal experience. Turned to Mana for the installation of my December solo show in Chelsea. Susie Parker was all over solving the unique challenges of the gallery. And framing.... Yousef Pourki! Holy cow...what an amazing framer. I have never had a better experience. He worked side-by-side with me to solve the very unique framing of multiple 100+ lbs epoxy pieces. He was thoughtful and meticulous. As a result, the pieces were merged and enhanced to a degree I had not anticipated. I highly recommend the talents of both Susie and the amazing Yousef! Mana is very fortunate to have such unique talent.

Ethan Field Williams

Mana Contemporary is truly an amazing space. The artist studios are much bigger than what you see in DUMBO and the variety is so much. One minute you could be checking out sculpture, then you see modern art, you then learn about old machines and letter presses, and to top it all off modern dance in an open dance floor. It’s breath taking. There is a café which serves decent food (think sandwiches and flatbread pizzas) and coffee. You can take the train here or drive. It will be worth it because you could spend a couple of hours here.

The idea of having a central hub which puts every art need at your fingertips is an interesting idea.
That is why I seem to see established names taking up studio space in this unique building in NJ. It is well thought out, especially for the typical artist who is always needing something, but with little time to run around. This place makes it easy. It has tall ceilings/windows in sizable studios with easy access to all the work spaces, plus all the amenities including parking and loading docks, art store, comfortable cafe, printing centers, framing, shipping, climate controlled storage space and even exhibition space, making it alluring to many mid career and established artists. It is something that gives you an edge in this competitive world of art. Good idea. Thank you for the tour K.