Bendis Mani is an artist and educator born in Tirana, Albania. He studied at the renowned Artistic Lyceum High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Stage and Costume Design from the Academy of the Arts in Tirana in 1996. He earned a Master of Science in Education from Lehman College, combining his artistic experience with his passion for teaching. Mani joined Rye High School in 2008, and since 2016, he has taught the Advanced Placement Studio Art program among other subjects of arts and design. Beyond the classroom, Mani has worked with students to organize exhibitions at venues including the Rye Reading Room, CAB offices, The Coveleigh Club, The Wainwright House, and the Rye Arts Center. Through these exhibitions, he encourages students to use visual art as a means of expression, dialogue, and community engagement.