Meet Ally Manno | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ally Manno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ally, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work/life balance has changed over time in that I am now prioritizing my mental and physical health more often than not. As being an artist is more of a hobby than a business, I try to make time for it as much as I can. I work part time at a thrift store and am looking to get disability income due to my many struggles. Painting is cathartic for me because it gives me a sense of control outside of my work productivity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a hobbyist at heart, but I have also found some success selling my paintings. Getting to where I am today has never been easy. I have struggled and continue to struggle with many disabilities that prevent me from working a full-time traditional job. I have many services that help me gain independence and a sense of stability. I may not have overcome most of my challenges, but I always value progress over perfection. I want people to know that being autistic, while challenging, is not the death sentence many people think it is. It is difficult of course, but nothing good comes from anything too easy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the vegan restaurants around here because they are vegan and those places have great food. I would also take them to Coolidge Park around downtown Chattanooga because it is a great park close to my house. I did take them once to the Hart Gallery where I sell my art, and it’s a great non-profit that displays the art of many different people, all of which come from artists from marginalized communities, including me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the organization ECF Choices, who have helped me become more organized, independent, and stable. I would also like to thank UTC’s Mosaic program and the Chattanooga Autism Center who have also helped me in so many ways, so that I am not going to be so isolated.