Show Me The Munny: A New Type Of Art

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You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but this little blue guy is part of a movement that's changing the way artists approach their craft. He's called a Munny, and he doesn't work alone. Artistic types coast to coast are hopping on board with the Munny movement, turning seven inch tall white vinyl statues into everything from aliens to ninja warriors, using a palette that includes paint, cardboard, and even ketchup. Though Munnies have been around St. Louis' artistic underground for about five years, they've recently started to make a mainstream splash. "Munny combines the best parts of both toy and craft object, which may explain its longevity in the market." says AJ Trujillo, owner of Star Clipper comics, the area's dominant Munny peddler. "As a 3D canvas for your imagination, the Munny has inspired people to get creative and customize their own, and the brand recognition has ignited an incredible following."

Some attribute the Munny's popularity to its ability to tie in various art forms without the risk of bastardizing the product. Sculptors, painters, clothing designers...whatever the craft may be, there's no "wrong" way to give a blank white action figure a little personality. With no lines to draw inside, Trujillo says when it comes to decorating the creatures, the uncommon is quite common. "I've enjoyed seeing Munnies made into fountains, iPod speakers, even submerged in tanks." As with any popular commercial product, the inevitable spin-off schwag has made its way into stores as well, with zipper pulls, Munny necklaces, and Mini Munny figures now sharing shelves with their older siblings. In fact, for those wanting to watch Munny making in action or take a stab at creating their own, Star Clipper is hosting a Mini Munny Mobile (Yes, Munnies have cars too.) decorating party on April 19, with free Munny Mobiles going to those brave enough to pick up a paint brush and give it a whirl. For details, head over to Star Clipper's site and for a look at a few Munny notables on display at the store, check out the photo gallery. Enjoy the Munny shots.