Resilient artist displays whimsical paintings in Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Art IMPACT mini gallery located in the Mt. Pleasant Public Library welcomes a new artist for the months of June and July, Dee Miller.

Miller, an artist from Iowa City, is excited to share her work in this gallery displayed.

“I think it is wonderful for me just to get my work out there and have people see it,” Miller said. “It is a boost of confidence too when you walk in and see a poster and it is you with you paintings it is such an awesome feelings.”

“I posted some pictures of the display on Facebook,” she said. “Everyone thinks it is great and several people said they are going to take a little road trip to go see it!”

According to Miller, she began painting more seriously about a year and a half ago when she was hospitalized.

“[Miller] only began her journey into the world of painting in 2022, transforming adversity into art,” Art IMPACT described.

“I had what Justin Bieber had,” she said. “I had Ramsay Hunt syndrome.”

This sickness came with many struggles including shingles on Miller’s right ear and all over her head.

With this sickness, Miller found she could no longer continue her work as a real estate agent due to brain fog, so, she spent much more time painting.

“It is a great stress reliever,” she said.

According to Art IMPACT, Miller’s work showcases her journey and celebrates her “indomitable spirit.”

Miller describes her work as “….fun and whimsical acrylic paintings,” and says she particularly enjoys painting houses and flowers. Much of which she saw as she stayed cooped up at home healing.

“Her goal is not just to create visually appealing art but to spark joy in the hearts of her audience,” Arts IMPACT states. “’I like to inspire people," Dee [Miller] notes. Her uplifting motto echoes throughout her artwork, reminding us that ‘you can do anything you want to do,’ and ‘anything is possible, just don't give up.’”

Even in her short time painting seriously, Miller says she has already sold some paintings on Facebook and at various craft fairs.

“I can even do custom pieces,” she said.

Art IMPACT invites art lovers to “…explore Dee’s captivating world during the Public Library's regular hours,” describing it as “…an enchanting retreat into a world where the colors of resilience and hope shine brightly.”

The Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery is free and open to the public during normal library hours and rotates the displays every other month with the goal of promoting local talent and encouraging community engagement with the arts.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com