4th Annual George Miller Art Show Opens Today

Organizers of the 4th Annual George Miller Art Show (GMAS) have announced that they will award more than $5000 in scholarship money to North Arlington art students at this year's event. Created as a non-profit charity to honor the 30-year career of one of North Arlington High School's most beloved teachers, the GMAS will be held today, April 4, 2013 in the North Arlington Public Library.

Established in 2009 by Andrea Jennings and Daniel Marck, former NAHS students of Mr. Miller, GMAS features the fine art and sculpture work of current elementary, middle and high school students in North Arlington. It also supports the George Miller Art Scholarship Program, funded by donations from parents and NJ businesses. In addition to showcasing the art of North Arlington students, the GMAS will also hold a silent auction so attendees can purchase original student art pieces.

"The growth of the George Miller Art Show has been a welcome development but not a total surprise," says Mr. Marck, one of the GMAS founders. "George was so loved, and his spirit was so generous, the people who knew him are determined to keep his legacy alive and thriving."

Mr. Miller taught at NAHS from 1962 until 1993, the year that he died. He was an accomplished painter himself, and his artwork, often incorporating the Egyptian "ankh" symbol, is used to guide themes for the annual art shows.

This year's GMAS will also feature two prominent guest speakers:Dr. Tina H. Snider, Owner and Director of the Chatham Mental Health Center, and Patricia Flicker Addiss, a well-known Broadway producer whose most recent production was A Christmas Story - The Musical. Dr. Snider will speak on the importance of art in our schools and its impact on building a child's self-esteem. Ms. Addiss will discuss the role of arts in our society and how it deeply enriches the lives of children and adults. Ms. Addiss is also involved in anti-bullying initiatives and will briefly touch on ways that promotion of the arts increases tolerance.

Beyond touching the lives of art students in North Arlington and neighboring communities, event organizers have ambitious hopes for the future of GMAS. Plans are already being made for the creation of The George Miller Center for the Arts. The center will be become a focal point for cultural enrichment and art education for students who intend to pursue a lifelong career in the arts.

"At a time when violence in our schools is a hard reality, the healing power of art and the peaceful spirit of George Miller have inspired us to come together once again for this positive community experience," says Ms. Jennings, who now owns MadCreek Advertising, an Upper Montclair agency that helps sponsor the GMAS. "We hope that everyone will come out to celebrate George's life and his enormous contributions to our community, and to ensure a 4th successful GMAS."