Exhibition: Out of the Woodwork! Bringing Tom Miller's Legacy to Light

Out of the Woodwork! Bringing Tom Miller's Legacy to Light

Exhibition Opens, 11am - 4pm

Eubie Blake, First Floor

“Out of the Woodwork!” invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant and whimsical world of Baltimore’s beloved artist, Thomas Patton Miller (1945–2000). Known for pioneering the distinctive “Afro-Deco” style, Miller’s art fused the elegance of Art Deco with the vibrancy of African American cultural motifs, creating a dynamic dialogue between heritage and modernity. Tom Miller’s genius is best known for transforming discarded furniture—often made of wood—into stunning works of art inspired by loved ones, his beloved city, and Black history.

Tom Miller Day was first proclaimed by Mayor Kurt Schmoke on February 18, 1995, during Miller's groundbreaking retrospective at the Baltimore Museum of Art and Maryland Art Place. Since his posthumous exhibit in 2002, Miller’s work has not been shown collectively. Yet, his art continues to brighten city walls, adorn private homes, and be collected by museums.

Organized by Blackives, LLC, “Out of the Woodwork!” highlights Miller’s role in challenging stereotypes, reclaiming narratives, and turning everyday objects into functional art infused with humor and social commentary. This community exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore a treasure trove of locally-owned works and memorabilia—many of which have surfaced from unexpected corners of our community since the launch of Tom Miller Week five years ago.

Join us in celebrating Tom Miller’s enduring legacy. His artwork and archives continue to resurface and inspire, demonstrating that creativity never dims—it only waits for the light of admiration to shine on it again.

The observation of Tom Miller Week 2025 is done in partnership Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Maryland Center for History and Culture, and Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Fiscal sponsorship in partnership with Black Art Today Foundation

Lenders for this exhibition include:

Alma Roberts

Angela Carroll

Baltimore Museum of Art

Beverly Carter, Esq.

Chase Brexton

David Miller

Eubie Blake Cultural Center

Fred Lazarus

Karen Bellesky

Maryland Center for History and Culture

Maryland Institue College of Art

Monumental City Bar Association

Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Rick Bennett

Donors for this exhibition:

Alisha and Lisa Clark

Beverly Carter

Beverly Cooper

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 North Howard Street, Baltimore, United States