Calling Portrait of Michael John Miller by B. Douglas Smith

From Bryan Miller, Michael’s brother: I am incredibly grateful to the Music and Arts Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill for inclusion of my brother, Mike, who lost his life at the barrel of an illegally obtained assault gun. Honoring innocent victims of gun violence, as Souls Shot so magnificently does, is and will be an enduring comfort to survivors.

From the curator: This portrait is from the very first exhibition, back when it was “just” an exhibition and not a growing organization and movement. It was, as Bryan says, thanks to the Music and Arts Committee at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill that we got our start. I had been asked, along with Rebecca Thornburgh, to come up with an exhibition that would bring attention to the epidemic gun violence in our communities. The proceeds would benefit Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence. Bryan is the executive director of this multi-faith group that has been working tirelessly to take illegal guns off the streets and support legislation for gun sense.

The idea of pairing artists with families or friends of victims clearly succeeded in bringing attention to the issue and in honoring the victims in a powerful and poignant way.

B. Douglas Smith created a three dimensional portrait that is hard to appreciate in a photo. He incorporated many symbolic elements representing aspects of Mike’s life.. The portrait wraps around four sides of a box-like structure. It is vibrant and compelling.

We now owe a debt of gratitude to another committee a the church - thanks to the Social Witness Committee for their continued support.

Calling Portrait of Michael John Miller by B. Douglas Smith mixed media 16” x 20” 2017.