BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:Record store plays to its art strengths

When Vincent Munn became the owner of Pier Records seven years ago, he didn’t expect to be an art dealer — or a crypt keeper for the lead singer of the Doors.

The Balboa resident, who worked as a clerk at the store before purchasing it, sought to make a killing off of selling vinyl records and CDs. Almost immediately, though, he realized online music downloads had taken the wind out of album sales. His store, located near his home on the Balboa Peninsula, might have gone under if not for a lucky visit from an artist.

Paul Bryan Jr., who lives in Newport Beach, and has painted celebrities and politicians for more than 30 years, stopped by Pier Records one day and showed Munn some of his works. Now, the store doubles as a gallery, with paintings for sale of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Madonna and other pop stars — as well as a replica of Jim Morrison’s tombstone that Munn invites customers to sign.

“The most important thing we both agree on is to keep the dream going,” said Munn, who still keeps small racks of vinyl records in between the canvases that dominate the store.

Every week, the store at 2301 W. Balboa Blvd. sells up to a dozen works of art, with prices ranging from $150 to $800. Bryan, who has limited color vision, does nearly all of his works in black and white, replicating photos of celebrities and adding his signature — a bright red dot — to each piece.

The artist’s repertoire extends far beyond entertainers. A notebook on the counter at Pier Records includes thank-you letters from leaders around the world — including the pope, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and several presidents — to whom Bryan mailed paintings.

As far as retail is concerned, though, the pop stars rake in the most receipts. Gary Sabistina, a pharmacist from Tahoe City, stopped by Pier Records Wednesday to purchase a portrait of Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant. A year ago, he said, he had bought one of Jim Morrison for his business and gotten positive feedback from his customers.

“It gives the pharmacy a little different look,” Sabistina said. “People think of a pharmacy being more straight-laced. This gives it some attitude.”