NEW EXHIBIT
Richard McDermott Miller and His Circle
By Robin Salmon, Vice-President of Art and Historical Collections/Curator of Sculpture
Richard McDermott Miller (1922-2004)
created scores of works, from tiny to
monumental, in his sculpture career of nearly
50 years. Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio,
he attended the Cleveland Institute of Art,
where he excelled academically and creatively.
But, he put his artistic aspirations on hold for
several years to manage a family manufacturing
business. When he was 40, he sold his stake in it
and headed for New York City.
He embarked on a new career that focused
on the female fi gure in sculpture. Known as
the “Figure Sculptor of SoHo,” Miller rejected
abstract art and eventually received honors and
Pink Carpet by Barbara Grossman,
2006, oil on Linen.
awards for his work. He was a Fellow of the
National Sculpture Society and served as president, 1997-2000, and he was an
Academician of the National Academy of Design and was its president, 1989-1992.
Miller taught sculpture at Queens College, City University of New York, from 1967
to 1992, and he was the author of books on art such as the popular Figure Sculpture
in Wax and Plaster, initially published in 1987.
Th e exhibit will feature a retrospective of
his sculpture from 1960 to 2000 including
ground-breaking works (such as Mary Walking
and Sandy in Defi ned Space), experimental
studies, models for commissions, and
examples of his portraits of well-known
individuals in business, arts, and letters. It will
also include artwork by his friends, students,
and those he infl uenced. Among the exhibiting
artists are painters Paul Resika, George Nick,
Charles Cajori, Barbara Grossman, Donald
Holden, and Raoul Middleman. Sculptors
include Howard Kalish, Janice Mauro, Patricia
Lasch, John Belardo, Peter Bulow, Wendy
Hirschberg, Chrissanth Greene Gross, and
Richard Barnet.
A preview reception for upper level members
will be held in the galleries on April 14. Th e
exhibit opens to the public on April 14 and
continues through July 29.
Wind on the Water by Richard McDermott Miller
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