Artist Highlight

"Manami Yagashiro Lingerfelt was born in Japan and grew up in Tokyo, graduating from Tokyo Musashino Art College in 1985. She began her art career in Tokyo, Japan as a graphic designer and illustrator with major magazines and newspapers. However, she became increasingly displeased with her career and her life and decided to explore the world, dwelling briefly in places such as India, Nepal, Sweden and other parts of Asia and Europe from 1987-1997.  
    In year 2003 she moved to America with her first born daughter Maria to begin a new career as an artist. She graduated College of the Arts (COTA) at Kennesaw States University, GA, U.S.A. 2015. She now calls Dallas, Georgia home and has produced hundreds paintings inspired by the love of life and the happiness that now fills her heart. She has been featured in exhibits in both the United States and Japan and is a continuing participation in art shows and in publications.

   Her most recent awards include Best in Show Canton Festival of the Arts 2016, Best in Show at First Friday Marietta Art walk 2016 and 2014, First place in Roswell Art Festival 2016; Winner of mural contest at Cartersville Super Kroger GA 2016;  3rd place The Art Carnegie ARTISTS OF GEORGIA; 2nd place Shrimp festival Art and Craft, Gulf shore, AL 2015; 2nd place Roswell Arts Festival GA 2015;  Winner of design as the mural for dk Gallery at the Marietta community 2015; 2014 Featured Artist Yellow Daisy Festival, GA; 1st place on 2014 Dean’s Luncheon and Learn Series “Savor the Arts” Magazine; Printmaking department. Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA; 2nd place, 2014 Juried College Exhibition at the Mountain View Art Alliance and The Art Place - Mt. View, GA ; 3rd place 2014 31th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, Fine Art Gallery, Kennesaw States University, Kennesaw, GA; 2nd place 2014 Fall Festival on Ponce, Atlanta, GA ; 3rd place 2014 Roswell Colors Art Festival, Roswell, GA; 2nd Purchase Award Level at 2014 Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and University Ombuds Office Kennesaw States University, Kennesaw, GA 2014.

    Ultimately, Manami Lingerfelt`s mission is to provide a glimpse of the joyous beauty of life, and to spread this happiness to the world around us".