Obituary

Thomas Patton Miller truly lived life! And we are better for it.  As a citizen, a loved one, and a friend, Tom Miller‚s loving grace and dignity was rivaled only by the brilliance of his pallet.  This special soul, and internationally renowned artist has left a profoundly beautiful mark on the world. Fortunately, during his life, he was blessed with public recognition for his outstanding contributions.  He received countless awards, and prestigious commissions, he exhibited in some of the nations finest galleries and museums, he was lauded by the most formidable critics and historians, celebrated by major media, and his work remains in hundreds of private collections and public venues. But most importantly, Tommy was loved, and he gave love - unconditionally.

Tom Miller was born October 13,1945 in Baltimore MD, to Frances Miller and the late Clarence Miller. He was born to a creative family and from the beginning he was an artist.  He honed his skill at Carver Vocational Technical High School (1963) and then went on to receive both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (1967) and a Master of Fine Arts (1987) from Maryland Institute, College of Art.

Highly regarded as an artist and art teacher, Tom served the Baltimore City School System from 1967 to 1987. For twenty years he expanded the creative horizons of our children.  For the next thirteen years, until the day he died, he continued to make art. Tom said, "Humor is a strong element in my work. It often helps me confront serious issues."  He made art that defied existing categories. Tom called his style Afro Deco.  In his artistic universe Miller combines Aunt Jemimas with pink flamingos, wildly grinning red lips and white teeth, with birds, palm trees and fruits (most particularly the ubiquitous watermelon) "These elements afford a sly, satirical quality to the furniture, a presence that would do any stout hearted surrealist proud." stated Lowery Simms Director of the Studio Museum of Harlem and former Associate Curator of 20th Century Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

At 54, after a courageous ten-year battle with HIV and AIDS, Tom Miller peacefully departed this life on Friday, June 23, 2000.  He is survived by his mother, Frances Miller, brother, David Miller, sisters, Maryce Willis, Francine Adams, Frances Waddell, two brothers in law, Keith Adams, and Ron Waddell, and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by many.   Like the scores of us who deeply mourn Tom Miller, his dearest friend, Carl Clark will always cherish his sweet memory.
 
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