President Schmoke Leads Celebration of Iconic Baltimore Artist Tom Miller, Feb. 18
February 16, 2021
Contact: Office of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: 410.837.5739
University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke will lead a celebration of the life of acclaimed Baltimore artist Tom Miller with an online reading of Miller's Can a Coal Scuttle Fly? on Thursday, Feb. 18 at noon. The event, part of a week-long celebration of Miller's life and influence, is supported by MICA and the Maryland Institute Black Archives (MIBA). Details for registering for this event are listed below.
According to MIBA, Miller coined the phrase "Afro-Deco" while studying at MICA. With influences ranging from Baltimore life and 1930s Art Deco to Black memorabilia, Miller was one of the first Black artists to have a solo exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art. On June 23, 2000, Tom Miller passed away from AIDS-related complications at the age of 54. Five years prior, Schmoke, then mayor of Baltimore, had declared Tom Miller Day as a recognition of this iconic artist.
In addition to the reading, Baltimore poet Akilah Divine will recite two commissioned pieces honoring Miller’s legacy.
Read about Tom Miller.
Learn more about the week-long celebration of Miller's life and legacy, and register for the reading on Zoom here.