From Apprentice to Public Artist: Celebrating Anthony Manzano-Lee

The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) is proud to celebrate Anthony Manzano-Lee on his graduation from PGAHC’s Pathways to Public Art Apprenticeship Program, marking an exciting milestone in his journey as an emerging public artist.

Launched in 2022, PGAHC’s program is Maryland’s first state-certified public art apprenticeship and was created to build pathways into the creative workforce for emerging artists. Through a combination of hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience, apprentices develop skills in public art design, fabrication, community engagement, urban design, and the processes required to bring public art projects from concept to completion.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Anthony gained firsthand experience working within PGAHC’s public art and creative placemaking initiatives while continuing to develop his own artistic practice. His completion of the program was celebrated with a special exhibition of his work at Arts’tination at National Harbor, providing an opportunity for the community to see the creativity and growth that have been part of his journey.

Anthony’s graduation represents exactly what the apprenticeship program was designed to accomplish: giving emerging artists the training, experience, and professional foundation needed to pursue opportunities in public art and the broader creative economy.

Congratulations, Anthony! PGAHC is proud to have been part of this chapter in your artistic journey, and we look forward to seeing where your creativity takes you next.