Artist Manni Nejade was born and raised in San Francisco's multi-cultural Mission District. After graduating from Mission High School, he entered a painting contest in which he won first place and a summer scholarship at the Academy of Fine Arts in San Francisco.  He then, continued his art education at City College of San Francisco.  In December 1983, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 20 years.  Now retired, he spends his time creating unique works of art.  His signature shoe paintings take countless hours to create.