Michael Paul Montanaro was raised in Old Lyme, CT. - which also happens to be the location of the Florence Griswold Art Museum and home to one of the first American impressionist artist's colony in the early 1900’s.
Having an early interest in art he studied at the Lyme Art Academy, Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy and graduated with a fine art degree from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Simultaneously studying and practicing visual art, Montanaro grew up skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding. His passion for snowboarding and determination to shred led to a sponsorship from Burlington, VT based Burton Snowboards among others.
After college, Michael moved to Newport, Rhode Island to surf with his friends and figure out his next moves in life. He formed a clothing company called Montanaro Designs which featured his art and started branding. Eventually, his tees and merchandise were available in surf shops up and down the east coast. He also took the plunge and opened Montanaro Gallery in Newport, RI to showcase his art and his friends. The gallery was a success and opened many doors - including his move to become an art dealer in New York City.
Fast forward to today and Michael is an avid art collector, art dealer and artist raising his daughter and son with his wife Beth between their homes in New York and the CT shore. When the waves are up you’ll find him at the secret spots in RI. When there’s snow he’ll most likely be back at Stowe with his VT crew.
One thing is certain he’ll be in his studio the most creating art in his unique style which is a self portrait of his experiences in the ocean, the woods and the mountains.