David Manuel was raised in Walla Walla and started selling artwork at age 3 1/2.

At age nine, David received his first national award, which was judged by Norman Rockwell.

During his school years, and as a young adult, he continued to hone his skills, and held a one-man show inside a Safeway store where he was working.

His first painting sold for $45 and he began to take his talent more seriously.

David Manuels career grew rapidly, with painting valued as high as $50,000 and he ventured into the three dimensional art world. David spent hours researching his historically based subjects, in a collection that grew into a museum.

David has had the honor of many commissions, including monuments of John Wayne - which gained him the title of “authorized sculptor” for Wayne Enterprises. He was also chosen as the Official Sculptor for the United States Marshals Bicentennial”. The monument he created for them is now at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and a smaller replica of the bronze has found it’s home at the “White House” in Washington D.C.

He also created a monument for the Oregon Trail Celebration ‘93 which gave him a title of “The Official Sculptor for the Oregon Trail”. The political uprising from this statue acclaimed national recognition and respect for the artist who was proud to portray historical accuracy in place of political correctness; David’s faith proved to be beneficial and met approval by many.

After years of building the Wallowa Valley Art Scene, David and Lee Manuel decided to change things up and invest in the monumental task of bringing the historic natural attraction of Hot Lakes Springs, near La Grande Oregon back to life. This task was monumental but after 19 years the beauty was restored and the facility is once more a destination for travelers to look forward to.

Health concerns, and a desire to be surrounded by family and familiar locations prompted David and Lee to once again return to Wallowa County to build a new home for the historically significant museum collection. This Museum is now OPEN along Hwy 82 outside of Enterprise. An amazing collection of bronze - informed by the historical items is also presented.

David Manuels immense talent has provided a legacy of art, grounded on history, connected by family and friends.

David and Lee look forward to welcoming you into the museum and studio.