The mid-day festivities included a screening of the documentary "Lord Love You: The R.A. Miller Story."
Born Reuben Aaron Miller on July 22, 1912, R.A. Miller would have been 100 years old this month. He was a self-taught folk artist, best known for his "whirligigs," metal cutouts and drawings. Largely collected, Miller is acknowledged as one of the more notable senior folk artists in America.
Besides being a patriot, Miller was a preacher at the Free Will Baptist Church and used his artwork to help spread the word of God. His materials consisted of paint, magic marker, tin, bicycle parts, and scrap metal. His work generally consisted of animal and human figures, and short inspirational messages, e.g. "Lord Love you."
His animal images range from bluebirds, chickens, pigs, and snakes to an assortment of dinosaur types, which were inspired by National Geographic programs on television. The Human figures include red devils, angels, culturally iconic symbols such as Uncle Sam and Elvis Presley, and more abstract characters that sport hats, cigars, or red claws.
For years his work dominated the land surrounding his home on Old Cornelia Highway near Rabbittown, well within view of passing motorists.
Miller died in 2006.
Cake for Monday's birthday party was furnished by The Colored Egg. "Lord Love You: The R.A. Miller Story" was written, produced and directed by Bryan Dodd and Craig Williams.
This celebration was held in conjunction with "JUST FOLK: Folk Art meets the Quinlan" on view through August 11, featuring a special showing of work by R.A. Miller and a satellite exhibition presented by Around Round Back at Rocky's Place.
Find the R.A. Miller friends and fans page on Facebook: Find the R.A. Miller friends and fans page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramillerfolkartist.
R.A. Miller (Photo courtesy R.A. Miller friends and fans Facebook page)
(Photograph by Sarah E. McKee, New Georgia Encyclopedia. From an exhibit of Miller's work at Brenau University in 2006)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/7/251016