Saying Farewell to Art Miller

The Nerman Museum’s longtime Exhibition Preparator, Art Miller, is now retiring.

---

Share your well wishes and memories!

When internationally renowned artist Dana Schutz first saw her exhibition in the former JCCC Gallery of Art, tears began streaming down her cheeks. We were somewhat taken aback, until Dana exclaimed that the exhibition was perfect—everything she had dreamed of for years! She immediately thanked Art Miller for his design of the installation, attention to detail and beautiful lighting of the show.

Over 30 years, Dana's comments were frequently echoed by innumerable artists upon viewing their exhibitions at the College. Whether traveling from New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles or the Kansas City Metro area, artists invariably praised Art's sensitive lighting, design sensibility and willingness to always place their needs first. Art worked tirelessly to ensure that our exhibitions would be both beautiful and impressive, while also appearing effortlessly realized.

From 1994 to 2006, Art oversaw the installation of many exhibits presented in the Gallery of Art. Beginning in 2007 through 2022, as Exhibition Preparator, he was in charge of designing and lighting all art installations in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. During those 15 years, he consistently garnered the admiration and appreciation of numerous artists. He was also fortunate to have the help of Andrew Schell, his Assistant Exhibition Preparator, as well as the assistance of contract art installers such as Jorge Garcia Almodovar, Anson DeOrnery, Beniah Leuschke, Mike Otto and others.

In 2001, we initiated a series of Collection Focus Areas across the JCCC campus, allowing us to showcase the College's growing art collection. The first of the major installations, “Contemporary Photography,” filled the first floor corridor of the General Education Building. It was a sensation, thanks in large part to Art's efforts. Soon thereafter, his installations in the Dining Halls (“Paintings”) and Midwest Trust Center (“Works on Paper” and “Ceramics”) demonstrated the visual and educational power of art in the daily lives of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Previously barren spaces and walls were suddenly colorful, engaging and informative. These hugely accessible and popular installations would help inspire the dream for a campus art museum. The most recently completed installation, “Contemporary Native American Jewelry,” can be found on the second floor of the Billington Library. It is dazzling!

In 2003, we began the design and construction of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Over four years our staff—Art Miller, Whitney Williamson and myself—attended frequent architectural and construction meetings. It was an exhilarating and exciting time. Once construction began, Art would spend hours each day visiting the site, helping to ensure the success of this massive and important project. At one point, three designs were proffered by architect Kyu Sung Woo for the Atrium space. Following rigorous discussion, Art passionately voiced his rationale for the more contemporary —and daring—design. Everyone quickly agreed with him. When the hardwood floors were being installed in the galleries, Art, at the behest of Kyu Sung, would put blue tape indicating the need for a replacement on any boards which did not meet exacting specifications. Art would return from the Museum almost unrecognizable, as his beard was filled with sawdust from workmen sanding the gallery floors.

Along with the announcement of the Museum in 2003, longtime patrons Marti and Tony Oppenheimer decided to build an art collection for the Nerman. Previously, they had focused on creating an outdoor sculpture park for the campus. Art had been traveling with us as we visited galleries and potential artists, and we relied upon his advice regarding the placement and installation of any sculptures we acquired. With our new focus on purchasing paintings, photography, ceramics and new media works, our travel schedule accelerated considerably with numerous trips to New York City, Chicago, Miami and Santa Fe. Art was integral to our travels, helping to ensure that we easily located galleries and far-flung artists’ studios, as well as keeping our small group together. His insights on how acquisitions might be installed in the new building were invaluable.

While Art will retire from the Nerman Museum on January 31, it merely marks his transition to numerous new projects. As one of Kansas City's highly recognized artists, he can now devote more time to his work as a photographer. His series depicting the provocative proliferation of church cell phone towers continues, as well as a new body of work, evidenced by the H&R Block Artspace Project Wall the past two years.

He will also assume the part-time position of Collections Manager for the Hartman Collection. With a major art museum exhibition looming, Art will oversee the organization, cataloging, photography and framing of this sizable collection amassed over 50 years of Native American paintings.

We are indebted and deeply grateful to Art Miller for his exceptional dedication spanning over three decades to JCCC and the Nerman Museum. When touring the campus or visiting the Museum, Art's many contributions are readily evident. His legacy endures.

Now, on to new adventures!

Bruce Hartman, Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator (retired)
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Johnson County Community College