Joseph Francis Menna (born March 1970) is an American sculptor. He has been the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint since February 2019.
Biography Menna trained formally at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York Academy Graduate School of Figurative Art in New York City, New York and Saint Petersburg Art and Industry Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He also supplemented his training with studies at Arts Students League, and the Sculpture Center in Manhattan, New York City.
Menna was raised in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township, New Jersey. After graduating from Highland Regional High School he attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia from which he graduated in 1992. He was awarded a master's degree in 1994 from the New York Academy of Art.Mucha, Peter. "Carving heroes and villains from virtual clay; Joseph Menna has worked on everything from Jefferson to Batman to the world's biggest statue.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 18, 2014. Accessed April 25, 2016. "So it's not surprising to hear Menna say his enthusiasm for art grew from his love of comic books, sci-fi and fantasy while growing up in Blackwood, Camden County, where he graduated from Highland Regional High School."
As an art sculptor, Menna's clients include the United States Mint, DC Comics, Fisher-Price and Hasbro, among others.
In 2005, Menna joined the United States Mint as a medallic sculptor.
Menna has also done the digital concept sculpture for the Statue of Unity, situated in Gujarat, India. It is currently the tallest statue in the world.
In February 2019, Menna became the 14th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The position had been vacant since 2010.
A resident of Bordentown, New Jersey, Menna and his wife have three children.Mucha, Peter "Carving heroes and villains from virtual clay; Joseph Menna has worked on everything from Jefferson to Batman to the world's biggest statue.", March 18, 2014. Accessed July 22, 2020. "Menna met his wife at the Steiglitz academy. Julianna Menna, a painter with her own fantasy-world style, specializes in portraying grotesque characters in ornate dress.... They’re raising three children in Bordentown, Burlington County."
Awards and honors
Menna has worked professionally for over two decades as a private artist, United States Mint artist, and collectibles industry artist. His initials "JFM" appear on the obverse of the Trump dollar, and along with artist Lyndall Bass on the Lincoln cent with Union shield reverse, first minted in 2010.
References
External links Joseph Menna at Artstation Action Figure Insider's interview with Joseph Menna Joseph Menna's digital sculptures