A special thank you to Karen Manning for allowing us to display her beautiful African artifacts!!
(and for being a part of the planning of this evening)
(and for being a part of the planning of this evening)
Entrepreneur, art educator and interior designer, Karen Manning has distinguished herself as an institution in the Dallas art and social communities. Since the year 2000 her entrepreneurial dream, the Millennium 2000 Gallery, has served as a distinctive source of authentic African artifacts for the connoisseurs of her impressive and stimulating collection of original imported works of art and prized antiquities. The gallery is a downtown Dallas treasure that is the heartbeat of its upscale habitat, “South Side on Lamar” building, a Dallas skyline landmark.
A successful businesswoman with the sensibilities of an artist, Ms. Manning, aesthetically fuses meticulously selected art with contemporary concepts of interior design and construction. For a distinguished and devoted clientele Ms. Manning boldly transforms environments into personal reflections of heritage and inspiration. To avail her clients with unique creations, The Dallas native has traveled extensively to the Caribbean, Europe Hong Kong and Mainland China.
As a consultant to both private and public organizations and a dynamic lecturer, Ms. Manning is accustomed to educating large diverse groups of any age. Ms. Manning has consistently reached out to inform the community about the history and traditions that inspire African artists. Sharing her vast entrepreneurial experience, Ms. Manning also counsels women on all aspects of launching and growing a retail business. Notably, under her tutelage, Ms. Manning’s college student son, Anthony, became a registered retail buyer by the age of thirteen and now plays an integral role in the success of the gallery business.
- All-inclusive Interior Decorator specialized in the energetic fusion of authentic African artifacts into traditional and contemporary décor. Demonstrated proficiency in African culture and art history. Extensive expertise in exclusive furniture lines, floor, wall and drapery treatments and color coordination consulting. Provide comprehensive design and innovative renovation services in business, commercial and residential environments. Prepare exhibits and participate as gallery representative in art exhibitions and trade shows.
- Goal-oriented entrepreneur astute in calculating and reducing foreseeable risks via strategic planning, resilient management and steadfast leadership. Organized, highly motivated and detail-directed problem solver with demonstrated ability to execute ventures from concept to fully operational status.
- Administrative and managerial proficiency encompasses all phases of business ownership including: business plan development, budgeting and fiscal management, staff supervision, purchasing, quality control and tactical marketing planning.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills range from educational public speaking with multimedia presentations to personalized collaborative consultations with clients. Ability to focus discussion to facilitate decision-making processes. Effective public relations outreach utilizing media contacts to successfully convey messages related to aesthetic visions, humanitarian needs and social service goals.
- Global Art Buyer with purchasing experience in Europe, the Caribbean, Hong Kong and Mainland China. Acquired proficiency in culturally appropriate negotiation techniques and international business and societal protocol.
- Business Development Consultant advising women entrepreneurs on all aspects of establishing a retail business including: registering and working with wholesale resources, professional buying, developing a clientele and marketing.
- Event Planner experienced in seamlessly and cost-effectively coordinating all details of social, political and corporate events including exhibitions, conventions, meetings and fundraisers. Responsibilities include: securing venues, engaging speakers, contracting entertainment, production of promotional materials, audiovisual equipment arrangements and supervising support staff. Experienced in culinary arts and providing wide-ranging catering services. Successfully implement programs which accurately and imaginatively convey the message, purpose and character of the sponsoring organization.
