Steven Ray Miller: 52 Years of Paintings, Postcards, Prints, Posters, Puzzles, and Pencil Cups

There’s an age-old question in sales and marketing that is still asked today: Do you buy an item because you love it, or because you’re a fan of the person who created it?

The answer may be both.

For example, in December, the artist Steven Ray Miller will be featured at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro with a heartwarming retrospective, and it’s prompting friends and family from the East Coast and beyond to fly in and thank him for his work.

Because Steven Ray Miller is more than an artist. He’s a person who can sustain relationships with those he met in fifth grade, at summer camp, and on his journey through 1970s America, including Woodstock, meditation with Ram Dass, and a life on the road.

“There’s something special about Steven Ray Miller that touches my heart,” says longtime friend Pam Herndon. “It’s not the hearts in his work, but the way he touches other people’s hearts.”

Steven Ray Miller has generously contributed his artwork to support mission-based organizations and their fundraising efforts, including:

PetPalsNC: Supporting K-12 student well-being through pet therapy integration with special education and counseling professionals.

Ronald McDonald House of Durham: Donated a unique painting auctioned at the 2014 Winterfest Gala.

N.C. Children’s Hospital: Donated HeARTstanding Cow for CowParade North Carolina, raising $300,000 for the hospital through N.C. Children’s Promise.

The Emily Krzyzewski Center: Supported their programs empowering underrepresented students in academics, careers, and leadership.

“The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau commissioned Steven to paint a colorful, 4-foot-tall expression of the love that Tar Heel fans have for their beloved mascot, Rameses,” said Laurie Paolicelli, Director of the Visitors Bureau. “He had already painted a cow, a goat, and a pig to benefit local causes. He’s known for covering these animals completely in rainbow-colored hearts. Today, Rainbow Ram is one of the most photographed pieces by visitors to our Welcome Center and is also used as the official Mascot in Carrboro’s Pride Piper Parade.”

The exhibition will open on December 6, 2024, and run through January 21, 2025. The opening reception on Friday, December 13, 6:00–8:30 pm will feature the debut of a limited-edition book, Steven Ray Miller – an ARTobiography, which includes 125 of Miller’s paintings, 90 photographs, and a collection of stories that bring his art—and his life—vibrantly to the page.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience 40 paintings arranged in a chronological timeline, beginning in 1972 with Miller’s first oil painting, Front Porch, completed during his summer at UNC. From there, the exhibit spans his entire career, offering a delightful glimpse into the evolution of a beloved local artist.

In addition to the paintings, the exhibition will feature the launch of Steven’s 20th Anniversary Greatest Hits Calendar and fun, colorful jigsaw puzzles showcasing Pencil Cup Revisited, the iconic cover image from his book. It’s the perfect gift for those who want to take a piece of Miller’s heartwarming work home with them.

A highlight of the opening reception will be the screening of three videos, including the popular HeARTstanding Cow, the MOOvie, which was featured in the 2013 Carrboro Film Festival. The reception promises to be a celebration of both art and community, reflecting the warmth and humor that Miller has shared with his audience for over five decades.

Whether you’ve followed Steven’s journey from the beginning or are just now discovering his art, this exhibition is a chance to celebrate the holiday season with a truly special artist whose work continues to bring smiles to faces all over Durham, Carrboro, and beyond.

Exhibit Details:

Dates: December 6, 2024 – January 21, 2025

Location: The ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St., Carrboro, NC

Opening Reception: Friday, December 13, 6–8:30 pm

Exhibit Hours:

Mon–Fri: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sat–Sun: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come for the art, stay for the smiles — and leave with a piece of Steven Ray Miller’s world!

About Steven Ray Miller
Steven Ray Miller has been a fixture in the Durham and Chapel Hill art scenes for over five decades. Known for his colorful, whimsical artwork, Miller’s paintings, prints, and postcards have delighted collectors, friends, and family alike. His ability to capture the joy in everyday life and infuse it with humor and kindness has earned him a special place in the hearts of all who have experienced his art.

For more information, please contact:
The ArtsCenter
Phone: (919) 929-2787
Email: info@artscenterlive.org
Website: www.artscenterlive.org