Artist elevates his passion through Red Stair

Date: 6/15/2009

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



LONGMEADOW It seems inevitable that Donald E. Munson is exactly where he is. After years of pouring his creativity into the success of others, using his artistic passion toward his own destiny seemed a long time coming.

These days many adults are using their later years as an opportunity to return to their loves full time. After raising a daughter with his wife Patricia and ending the chapter on an impressive career that boasts designing book jackets and creative leadership at publishing houses such as Random House, being a recipient of the prestigious Chesley Award and presiding as Senior Account Executive at the Hartford Courant, Munson is beginning a new phase in his life as an entrepreneur and founder of Red Stair Gallery.

Munson is boldly making an attempt through the gallery to redefine how people acquire art and its affordability.

"The concept of the gallery is something I have worked on for many years. Western Massachusetts is full of artists. Great artists have come from here. You don't have to go to a museum, though going to a museum is great, to find out about art," he said.

What makes Red Stair Gallery, an online and retail gallery of visual art, unique is its approach to delivering high-end quality to art lovers. The gallery features original paintings, drawings and print editions for consumers.

Its launching art show, titled "Small Works," is slated for this fall and features original works of art by Munson and established artists Stanislaw Fernandes, Larry Schwinger, Robert Dent, Lillian Dodson, Lorna Ritz and others. The show will feature art ranging in size from four inches by six inches to 18 inches by 22 inches, varying between $150 to $750; and the show will take place in his home.

"The art is high-end, but reasonably priced for accessibility. Whether you're a major collector or a person wanting to own an original piece of art, [it caters to all]," Munson said, adding that one of the reasons he is having the show in his home is to show "that you can have art that you [really] live with. Once you get out of major urban areas, people are discovering that there are ways to discover art at home."

Especially in today's economic climate, Munson wants art lovers to know that connecting with unique pieces doesn't mean disconnecting with your finances. He said that artwork is a long-term investment and that high-end pieces only increase in value. He also said many people don't realize that artists and galleries such as Red Stair consider accepting three payments for a piece, instead of one lump sum payment.

"As I say on my Web site, 'enjoy.' Art is to be enjoyed," Munson explained.

Named for the winding red staircase that leads to Munson's haven, a third floor art studio in his Longmeadow home, in addition to one-of-a-kind works of art, the gallery offers three other innovative products: Pets Rule and calendars and greeting cards featuring Munson's acclaimed artwork. He also designs wine labels, letterheads and logos.

Pets Rule is shaping up to be the company's leading product. He's already completed several portraits and continues to create new pet masterpieces for animal lovers. Munson renders images of cats, dogs, horses, whatever the species, into works of art starting at $250. Red Stair offers four images of the pet, a single impression or four sections including a drawing of the animal.

Munson has participated in more than 20 exhibitions, both solo and group efforts, throughout New England, and has been featured in more than two dozen private collections. His client list boasts Readers Digest, Money Magazine and set painting for the Broadway show "Over Here."

The Red Stair Gallery will host "Small Works" Sept. 7 through 30, and will host a reception on Sept. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. To learn more about Pets Rule, the gallery and Munson, visit www.redstairgallery.com, send an e-mail to donmartist@aol.com or call 519-3170.