Nina Miller’s fascination with coloring and art materials began in childhood: “I remember the first artwork I created that had me fall in love with art was a recreation of the "Café Terrace at Night" by Vincent Van Gogh. Growing up, my mom was always a huge influence and inspiration to me as she is an artist herself and has a brilliant sense of color and paint. I also have a love for music which influences my work and everyday life. I owe my dad that appreciation for music growing up. I listen to pretty much every genre.” A BFA in Painting, Sculpture and Art History from Boston University followed, and it was there Miller “became enamored with new concepts, color and form which was heavily influenced by my environment—a big city. I created many paintings, sculptures, and installations during those four years, thinking about childhood nostalgia and the process of my painting practice. During my time there I was able to study abroad in Venice, Italy which heavily influenced my work as well.” After a 2020 move to Utah, Miller found herself influenced by an entirely new environment, one with mountains, desert, and vibrant colors.

Miller quickly became ensconced in the Summit County Arts & Culture community; “I discovered the Kimball Art Center and the Arts Council, [which] led me on my current path…My work right now serves as a meditative practice—a place where I can be and feel fully present. I am really interested in the act of painting and thinking about my work serving as a space for exploring the intricate connections between my inner world, the external landscapes that surround me, and the profound impact of a specific moment in time.” Miller participated in the 2021 and 2022 CREATE PC Local Artist Collective iterations, as well as two Summers at the Kimball Arts Festival, and feels a “very strong tie to the artist community here in Summit County…I have met so many amazing creative people who inspire me. Being a part of the Create PC Artist in Residence program has allowed me to feel connected to local artists and branch out more.”

Miller is adamant that Summit County’s Arts & Culture scene represents a huge win for all who live in and travel through our community: “for residents & visitors to be able to access high caliber Arts & Culture events shows that we are a multifaceted place with so much talent, creativity, and a strong commitment for art to be present and accessible for everyone. Art provides so much to a location—if you think of any city you have visited, it most likely has a local artist studio space, an awesome gallery scene, art center, or public art spread around. Art not only makes spaces beautiful, but it challenges us to think differently and appreciate creativity. For visitors and locals to see a vibrant art world in Summit County elevates the overall experience.” In addition to a thriving Arts & Culture scene, Miller delights in all the recreational and culinary opportunities offered by Summit County: “not only is creating art a big part of my life, but so is movement [and] exercise. I love yoga, hiking, and snowboarding. Cooking and baking is also something that I love to do which also fuels my creativity in a different way.”

Some of Miller’s favorite Summit County Arts & Culture spots include the Kimball Arts Center and CREATE PC Local Artist Collective. “If you have never been in the ceramic studio before, there is a special buzz and energy in there,” she says of KAC. “The sense of community is awesome and everyone knows each other and is so friendly. The opportunity to be in a small ski town and see inspiring and unique exhibitions of world renowned artists is such a key thing. Additionally, CREATE PC Holiday Maker’s Market [formerly BRAND PC] is an awesome program run through the Arts Council and always has such a fun vibe around the holidays for local makers.” As to what is lighting her up right now, Miller points to the new Artist in Residence program at Create PC—“the program is really exciting and has already provided a wonderful sense of community [for] local makers. The gallery space on the first floor is a great way for residents and visitors to support local artists and buy a piece of art that ties them back to this place—it is very special.”

Currently, Miller is settling into the CREATE PC studio, and is “very excited about spreading out in my studio space and working on multiple paintings at once! Truly right now, I am grateful to have a space to experiment, step back, reflect, and converse with other amazing artists. I have some paintings on the floor in my studio spread out where I am thinking of patching different shapes and sizes together like a puzzle.” As an emerging artist, having access to CREATE PC studio space gives Miller the freedom to introspect and reflect on her creative path, as well as new techniques such as envirogriting, paper pulp sculptures, and new applications of color onto different surfaces. “I am now thinking about my process more, and why I am drawn to certain things. I am exploring techniques of layering and the idea of pushing the shape of a rectangle or square canvas and what that can mean. I am having fun with the act of painting—on the wall, on my easel, on the floor, and in my sketchbook…Right now, I am also trying to absorb and be inspired by the artists around me as well as staying connected to the greater art world. There are so many amazing things happening far and wide…I am so excited and grateful to be a part of this wonderful new CREATE PC space and program!”

See more of Nina’s work at her website or on instagram @ninamillart, and stop by CREATE PC Local Artist Collective at 1500 Kearns Boulevard in Park City.

Nina Miller: Summit County is Elevated by Arts & Culture