Marc Manke (b. 1988) is an artist, designer, and educator based in his hometown of West Salem, WI. Born on a 3rd generation dairy farm, Manke draws deep pride from his rural roots, small town communities, and family traditions. As an out gay man, Manke tries to reconcile the competing cultural and historic forces affecting not only his day-to-day life but the experiences and identities of many rural queers. Using textile design and sculptural forms, Manke explores the myriad factors shaping the identities of rural gay men and the communities they live in. In his most recent work, Manke uses camouflage textile designs, male garments, and commercial presentation strategies to address issues ranging from passing in hyper masculinized (and sometimes hostile) country communities, gay dating and friendship, healthcare access, and HIV prevention in rural America.
Manke currently maintains a studio and design practice and teaches as Associate Lecturer of Art at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.