Anchored By Art: Finding Focus and Happiness, by Brad Munson

Opening reception for Anchored By Art: Finding Focus and Happiness, a mixed media and ink exhibit by Brad Munson. The exhibit runs from December 4, 2026, through January 14, 2027. All ages.

Artist’s statement

My art is a journey of rediscovery, healing, and connection. After stepping away from creative pursuits for many years to focus on raising a family, advancing my education, and serving in the military, I found my way back to the canvas through a simple suggestion from my wife: to draw our family dog, Max. That single act of creation rekindled a dormant passion and reminded me of the profound peace and clarity that art brings to my life.

Working primarily in ink, graphite, watercolor, colored pencil, and charcoal, I use my art as a space to process my thoughts and experiences. My creative practice is deeply intertwined with my family, serving as a bridge between the memory of my late mother, who first nurtured my childhood talents, and my daughter Abigail, who now draws alongside me. Whether capturing the quiet dignity of a beloved subject or exploring new creative techniques, my work is a testament to the joy of creation, resilience, and the unwavering support of those I love.

Artist’s bio

Brad Munson is a Sandy, Utah-based artist whose creative roots trace back to his childhood in Soda Springs, Idaho. Nurtured by his parents, who provided him with a dedicated art room, Brad spent his early years competing in school art competitions, participating in local fairs, and displaying his work at the café where he worked.

After graduating from high school in 2000, Brad joined the Army National Guard and served two consecutive deployments in the wake of 9/11. He subsequently relocated to Utah, where he balanced family responsibilities, military service, and night school to earn dual degrees in Business Marketing and Graphic Design. During this demanding season of life, his personal artistic pursuits were temporarily put on hold.

A new chapter began in 2013 when Brad married his wife, Jessica, blending their families to include their five children—Zach, Alysa, Iszak, Collin, and Abigail—and their three dogs. In 2021, Brad tragically lost his mother to Covid. As a lifelong champion of his creativity, her passing deeply affected him. The following year, Jessica encouraged Brad to draw Max, a beloved family dog originally gifted to the children by his late mother. This profound exercise reignited his artistic passion.

Today, Brad balances his creative life with continued service as a veteran in the US Army Reserves, marking 25 years of service. Working across ink, graphite, watercolor, colored pencil, and charcoal, he has rediscovered the deep fulfillment that art provides. He frequently shares studio time with his youngest daughter, Abigail, passing on the same love for drawing that his mother once fostered in him.