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Celebrated Muralist Named Artist in Residence at Albright College

by Carey Manzolillo

Reading, PA (03/24/2022) — Muralist Mike L. Miller has been named a visiting artist in residence in the departments of Art and Art History and the Science Research Institute (SRI) at Albright College. In addition to teaching college courses, Miller will coordinate public art projects between the community, Albright College and Albright SRI.

A public school art educator for 28 years, the majority of which at Wyomissing Area School District, Michael L. Miller says that making visual art has been his life's work.

"It is my hope that this transition from full-time art teacher to resident artist will provide me with the time to develop and fully share ideas that build on my previous experience as both a teacher and coordinator of collaborative public art," said Miller. "I hope the confidence and community involvement that grows through my guidance will remain an important part of students' lives as they develop into engaged citizens."

"Mike Miller is a long-standing Berks County leader and champion," said Adelle L. Schade, dean of pre-college and summer programs and SRI director. "He has an unparalleled ability to bring individuals and organizations together through collaborative public art implementations. His expertise and complete dedication to this county we all love, will help position Albright College and the Science Research Institute to continue to achieve its vision of being an equitable, sustainable, inclusive learning community and a leader in advancing lives in our dynamic world."

Possessing extensive experience with community-based public art, Miller has worked with a number of community organizations in Greater Reading and beyond.

"Mike Miller has been a tour de force in bringing public art to Reading and the surrounding community," said Albright College Professor of Art, Kristen Woodward, MFA. "A generous spirit, Mike has invited dozens of artists to draw from his expertise to create murals and other large-scale public works. His passion for art and its ability to contribute to the public good is contagious."

Following seven summers working with the Pennsylvania Migrant Education program, Miller created a public art workshop course to connect his school students with their own communities. Over the years, this class has involved hundreds of citizens in the creation of multiple landmark public art projects in the Greater Reading area.

"This course has made such an impression on my former students, their families and school staff that they continue to take part in these collaborative art projects," said Miller. "I believe that this enthusiasm for public art is an essential component in community development and a strong source of neighborhood pride."

Named a top national college by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, Albright College (founded 1856) is home to a diverse community of learners who cultivate integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. Through learning experiences that engage a student's creative and innovative capacities across all disciplines, both inside and outside of the classroom, an Albright College education guarantees that each student learns how to engage the world, understand the world, and is prepared to make an impact on a rapidly changing world. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright is home to undergraduate students, adult learners and graduate students.

Media Attachments

"Hope Blossoms," ruOK Berks community mural, coordinated by Mike L. Miller.

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