Arthur Miller, whose evocative artistry has captured the essence of Northeastern Pennsylvania's coal mining legacy, was born in the anthracite coal mining town of Parsons, Pennsylvania. Growing up in this quaint, middle-class town provided Miller with a backdrop rich in history and resilience—a setting that would significantly influence his artistic endeavors. As the youngest of four children, he attended the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Grade School and the Welsh Baptist Church, embodying the spirited tapestry of his close-knit community.
Miller's artistic journey began at the tender age of 12 or 13, sparked by the mentorship of his high school art instructor, Andrew Palencar. Palencar, a learned artist with degrees from Pratt and Columbia, and a student at the Art Students League, introduced Miller to the intricate painting techniques of the Old Masters. This foundational education ignited a passion for artistry that would permeate Miller's entire career.
Miller himself pursued a multifaceted education, charting his course through the United States Naval School of Photography, from which he graduated in 1964, followed by commercial art studies at Luzerne County Community College, and further academic pursuits at Wilkes University.
Miller's career intertwined art and service, beginning with his assignment to America's first British FBM Atomic Submarine Base at Holy Loch, Scotland, where his photographic talent flourished under the auspices of the U.S. Navy Photographic Center. His exceptional work earned him numerous Naval commendations, including recognition for his coverage of John Paul Jones' birthplace, displayed at the U.S. Naval Museum in Washington, D.C.
A trailblazer in arts education, Miller founded the Photography Department at Luzerne County Community College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. There, he originated and designed the curriculum for the first accredited photography courses ever taught in Wyoming Valley, PA. As an integral part of the new college campus in Nanticoke, PA, he designed state-of-the-art photographic facilities. Miller's educational influence extended to Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, where he implemented the photography curriculum for the Fine Art Degree Program.
Miller's artistic work received broad acclaim, with exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Salmagundi Club in New York, the U.S. Naval Museum in Washington, D.C., Marywood University, the Everhart Museum in Scranton, PA, and many more. He has been celebrated with countless awards, and his discerning eye has been solicited as a judge for art competitions, including the National Scholastic Art & Photography Competitions and the Wyoming Valley Art League.
A consummate professional, Miller served as the Photographic Editor for the Wilkes University Quarterly Magazine and the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s Quarterly Magazine. His photographic illustrations have graced publications such as McGraw Hill's "Fundamentals of Marketing," alongside ad agencies and in-house publications both nationally and internationally.
Miller's lifelong dedication to art has not gone unnoticed. Presently, his work features prominently in the Art in Embassies program of the U.S. Department of State, showcased globally, including in Burkina Faso, West Africa, at the official residence of United States Ambassador Sandra E. Clark. Several prestigious publications, from The Citizens' Voice to The Times Leader, have chronicled his illustrious career and evocative mining scenes that serve as a poignant reminder of his roots.
Throughout his career, Miller has remained deeply connected to his inspirations and mentors. Figures like Howard Purcell, Andrew Palencar, and Robert Henri have profoundly influenced his work. His signature coal mining scenes resonate with personal and communal memories, chronicling the history and culture of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Arthur Miller's art is a testament to his life's journey, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to his craft. His legacy as an artist and educator continues to inspire, echoing the vibrant history and enduring spirit of his hometown. His works, acclaimed for their authenticity and evocative power, remain a meaningful dialogue between the past and the present, engaging viewers in an intimate exploration of shared heritage and personal reflection.
