Local Artist Profiles

from December 2022 - Shop In RI

Toyota of Smithfield Column

Michael Munroe & Cameron Siciliano

By Brian J. Lowney

Rhode Island is blessed with many outstanding artists, ranging from painters, sculptors, glassblowers, woodworkers, and other craftspeople, who share their talents throughout the state and beyond.

While many of these talented individuals have traveled across the globe to attend some of the state’s most prestigious colleges and universities, some talented artists are self-taught or obtained their degree in another discipline and later learned their craft with the help of family, friends, community education classes, or through determination and sheer persistence.

Longtime Tiverton resident Michael Munroe shares that he began drawing as a small child and began painting in oils about 30 years ago. He was inspired by his oldest brother, John, who often created paintings for family members and friends and who shared their artistic passion with his five brothers and one sister to enjoy the art world.

“I would pick my brother Jim’s brain, reading books and through trial and error, and over the course of many years, I developed my love for painting in oils,” he continues. Munroe added that he also used his drawing skills in his work as a sheet metal mechanic.

“I got very serious when I retired,” the well-known artist notes. “Jim has been a commercial artist for many years and I would get him to critique my paintings, and we would talk about technique. Munroe adds that he also is encouraged by his friend Micheal Aguiar, who inspires and continues to teach him about painting and art.

“I am going to push my art as far as I can. I am drawn to the beauty of nature and I enjoy painting scenic ponds, as well as boats and unusual buildings. I like the way that light plays off a subject.” According to Munroe, who says that he tries to paint every day and to get outside to paint every week, his favorite subjects include coastal scenes, boats, wildlife, and old rustic buildings.

“I also enjoy visiting Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont,” he continues. “I bring my art materials along and set up on site. Some people stop and talk about my work.”

e artist explains that he sells original paintings of “affordable art for people to enjoy in their homes or businesses” and that each painting is original and unique. Monroe also makes some of the frames by hand and sells his paintings on Instagram or at local art shows.

e artist’s work can be viewed on Instagram @Mmunroe.oilpaintings; his email is:

mmunroe.paintings@gmail.com

Another talented Ocean State artist is woodworker Cameron Siciliano of North Smithfield, who was inspired by his father to become involved in countless home projects.

Siciliano, who serves as an athletic trainer at Bryant University, describes himself as “basically self-taught, who has watched many YouTube videos,” and has mastered his craft through trial and error.

“Most of the work that I do is home-decor related,” the craftsman continues, adding that he produces a variety of scifi and fantasy products, decorative coasters, bottle ware, welcome signs, as well as cutting and charcuterie boards that make attractive housewarming and holiday gifts, wedding presents, and other occasions that require a special gift.

“ese ‘passion projects’ are more than a hobby,” Siciliano shares, adding that he and his wife, Vanessa, and two active young sons keep him busy, but his small basement workshop affords him an opportunity to unwind and relax.

“I get a lot of enjoyment out of work,” he continues, adding that he often gets lost when he gets involved in a woodworking project.

“I would say that I have two main pieces of advice for people who are interested in acquiring a new hobby,” Siciliano observes. “First, especially for a side business, find something that you enjoy. Don’t force yourself into something that you don’t have a passion for.

“Once you find that piece, figure out a way to continue what you enjoy doing and add in slowly how you can try to make money off of your work.

“At the same time, research as much as you can,” the craftsman emphasizes. “Read on establishing a small business and learn about taxes (a crucial piece to understand in Rhode Island), fees, overhead, and so much more. e more research and understanding of what you are learning, the better plan you will create.”