By Deyane Moses
Special to the AFRO
The Fifth Annual Tom Miller Week will take place from Feb. 15–22 with events hosted at the Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center, the Maryland Center for History and Culture, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. The weeklong celebration honors the life and work of renowned artist Tom Miller through community art-making, an oral history circle and the auction of a never-before-seen screenprint.
A key highlight is “Out of the Woodwork! Bringing Tom Miller’s Legacy to Light,” an exhibition showcasing locally owned artworks and memorabilia, many of which have surfaced from unexpected corners of the community since the celebration began five years ago.
The event also includes an online auction of a striking screenprint Miller created in 1995 for the Monumental City Bar Association (MCBA) of Baltimore. This 24” x 28” piece, portraying Lady Liberty in a Black form lifting her veil to gaze upon Baltimore residents, has never been publicly displayed. The auction will be hosted through Give Butter and is sponsored in partnership with the Black Art Today Foundation. Proceeds from the auction will be equally divided between the MCBA and Blackives, LLC. The funds will support the creation of a Friends of Tom Miller group, dedicated to celebrating Miller’s legacy and preserving his artwork throughout the city. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to own a rare piece of art!
On Feb. 18, Blackives, LLC, in partnership with the Eubie Blake Cultural Center, will host Tom Miller Day, featuring a reading of “Can A Coal Scuttle Fly” by a special guest (soon to be announced) and a live performance by Rufus Roundtree and Da B’More Brass Band. The week concludes on Feb. 22 with a family-friendly art-making activity and oral history circle.
Tom Miller Day was first declared by Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke in 1995 after Miller became one of the first African Americans from Baltimore to receive a solo exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Although Miller’s whimsical Afro-Deco style is celebrated
in murals and museums across the city, no event commemorating his legacy had been held for two decades. In 2021, Blackives, LLC established Tom Miller Week to honor his contributions annually and preserve his contributions to the city.
Join the Celebration
Celebrate Tom Miller’s enduring legacy by attending this year’s events and donating to the project. Your tax deductible donations will help fund the festivities, including installations, catering, and contractor expenses.
Donations accepted through the Black Art Today Foundation. Checks can be made payable to Black Art Today, include a memo for Tom Miller Week 2025, and mailed to:
Black Art Today
9103 Woodmore Centre Dr. #207
Lanham, MD 20706
Tom Miller Week Schedule
Feb. 22, 2025 (Saturday)
● Program: Tom Miller’s Snapshot Studio
○ Time and Location: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Eubie Blake Cultural Center (Second Floor)
○ Details: Create props inspired by Miller’s Afro-Deco style, take themed photos, and contribute to the exhibition.
● Program: Oral History Circle— “Remembering Tom Miller
○ Time and Location: 6 p.m – 8 p.m, Eubie Blake Cultural Center (Second Floor)
○ Details: Share or listen to heartfelt stories about Tom Miller in this intimate session.
March 22, 2025 (Saturday)
● Program: “The Artist Speaks! An Interview with Tom Miller”
○ Time and Location: 11 a.m.–1 p.m, Eubie Blake Cultural Center (Second Floor)
○ Details: Watch an archived interview with Tom Miller and enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition.
April 19, 2025 (Saturday)
● Program: “Out of the Woodwork!” Closing Reception
○ Time and Location: 5 p.m – 8 p.m, Eubie Blake Cultural Center (Second and Third Floors)
○ Details: After the panel discussion, celebrate with live music by SoundsbySeven, a raffle and a silent auction.
For more information or to donate, contact Blackives, LLC at hello@blackives.org or visit tommillerweek.org.
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