Miriam A. Kilmer

Miriam Kilmer has been surrounded by the arts since early childhood. Her parents founded Green Hedges Elementary School (still flourishing in Vienna, VA) in order to give their ten children a superior education with emphasis on the arts. Her ancestors include poets Joyce and Aline Kilmer and American Impressionist Frederick C. Frieseke. (Miriam's experience in the challenges of preserving Frieseke's works on paper has encouraged her to use archival materials in her own artwork.) Enriched by this background, Miriam and all of her siblings have continued to develop their artistic talents through...

Miriam Kilmer has been surrounded by the arts since early childhood. Her parents founded Green Hedges Elementary School (still flourishing in Vienna, VA) in order to give their ten children a superior education with emphasis on the arts. Her ancestors include poets Joyce and Aline Kilmer and American Impressionist Frederick C. Frieseke. (Miriam's experience in the challenges of preserving Frieseke's works on paper has encouraged her to use archival materials in her own artwork.) Enriched by this background, Miriam and all of her siblings have continued to develop their artistic talents throughout their lives.

Miriam earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking at UNC-G, and her Masters in Theology rom De Sales School of Theology. She has led art workshops with children and adults, worked as a portrait studio photographer, and operated her own fine arts business since 1979.

Over the years Miriam has developed a variety of distinctive styles, influenced by the medium, subject matter, and purpose of the artwork, as well as her widening outlook and diverse environments. She now specializes in pastel, photography, computer graphics, and web design. Her unifying theme is love for the Source of creation and all that flows from that Source, as evidenced by her focus on nature, portraits, and spiritual subjects.

Miriam has exhibited her works in numerous juried and solo shows. Her photographs have been published in magazines, newsletters, and books, most notably the Shapenotes issue of Smithsonian in The Classroom. Her artwork is included in private collections in Canada and France as well as the United States.

The Shenandoah Valley is a familiar place to Miriam. From early childhood, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley were among her favorite places to visit. Since the early eighties, she has made numerous visits to the area, including her yearly week on Bryce Mountain, taking thousands of photographs of local wildlife and farm animals.
- by Lisa Kadel

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Solo Show: Animals of the Blue Ridge and Beyond: Pastels and Giclée Photographs by Miriam A. Kilmer. April 3rd ~ 28th, 2008. Please join us to celebrate Earth Day and meet the artist at the Reception, April 20th, 1 ~ 4 p.m. Organic and local snacks will be served. The Art Group, 5906 Main ST, Mount Jackson, VA, 22842. (1-540-477-4131) Car-pool, walk or bike to the reception for 10% off anything in the show. Bring this invitation with you. Thursday ~ Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday Noon to 5:00 PM, Monday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.