Who is Kate Manko?

Kate Manko’s childhood was always a little different than everyone else. Other kids went to the circus, and Kate went to flea markets. Other kids went to the arcade, and Kate went to auctions. Her parents, Kenneth & Ida Manko, were among the top American folk art dealers in the country, and every nook and cranny of their house was filled with naïve art. The Manko’s home has always been a place of business as well as a way of life. 

From a young age Kate could date a piece of folk art, tell real from fake paint, and could probably tell you in what part of the country most pieces of 19th and 20th century American art originated. Kate started her own personal collection of American folk art at the age of 4. 

When Kate was in high school and college she worked in the summer months at their barn gallery in Maine. She went on to study at Syracuse University and graduated with a degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies and Music Industry in 2004. After graduating from Syracuse she ran an additional gallery of Manko Antiques & American Folk Art in Perkins Cove for 2 years.

At 26 years old Kate was the cover story of Antiques & The Arts Weekly and already had 4 folk art exhibits under her belt, one of which, was the first ever exhibit of a student’s private collection at Syracuse University since the schools inception in 1870. Kate has personally been responsible for 6 of the 8 museum exhibits within their family business.

In 2013 Kate was a key note speaker at a symposium regarding a ‘21st century view on antiques’ with a prestigious panel of Maine and New Hampshire dealers and auctioneers in Kennebunkport, Maine. 

Kate features some of her inventory on their website as well as in the barn gallery.

The Manko family currently own or have sold pieces pictured in over 30 books published on art and antiques. They also have been featured several times in Architectural Digest for their home, exhibits or items they have sold. 

Kate  is a full time dealer in Maine and has bought and sold privately to clients, decorators, architects, corporations and museums all over the United States. She specializes in one of a kind, unique items for both the young and seasoned collectors. 

Kate is also a licensed Maine auctioneer as well as a licensed New England appraiser. 

Kate is a credible resource within her market niche. She is passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the antique business. Her background, education and interests inform the soul of her business. 

To learn more about Kate’s family and legacy, check out Manko American Folk Art.