Photographer Rallies Rockland Businesses to Support a Museum
Released 8/4/08
George and Sandy Miller, of Vassalboro, Maine, caught wind of the recent financial struggles at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland and immediately stopped by inquiring, "How can we help?" What resulted was a generous effort, spearheaded by the Millers, to rally restaurants and other businesses in Rockland to sell posters, with 25% of the proceeds directly benefitting the museum. The Millers were looking to do something BIG. They wanted to make the mission to save the Maine Lighthouse Museum a community endeavor. The image chosen for the benefit poster is of the iconic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which can be seen from the Maine Lighthouse Museum. What resonates from this spectacular photograph is the luminous rainbow in the harbor - what better symbol for hope could there be?
The image was captured by George Miller, who trained in photojournalism at the University of Colorado, Rhode Island Junior College, and University of Rhode Island. Mr. Miller has had an extensive career in film photography as a feature photographer and lithographer for five newspapers. He has also served as a commercial fisherman, a registered Maine fishing guide, and a school teacher.
The Millers moved to Maine in 1986, with George having family roots in southern Maine dating back to the 1690's. He and his wife Sandy made a pact when they got married, promising that when they turned 40, they would move up to Maine. And so it came to be, with two children and a lifestyle that would be considered nothing less than "outdoorsy," the Millers settled in the Pine Tree State. However, it wasn't the pine trees that captured George's eye, it was the beauty and drama of Maine's coastline.
George embraced digital photography before it became a popular medium, and he cultivated his skills by photographing marine subject matter. The Millers spend a good deal of the summer on their boat in Rockland Harbor.
To purchase the Rockland Breakwater poster for $25 to support the Maine Lighthouse Museum, please visit the following businesses in Rockland that will be carrying posters: Thorndike Creamery, Trackside Station Restaurant, The Boat House Restaurant, Conte's Restaurant, Atlantic Baking Co., Black Bull Tavern, Franks Family Hair Care, Berry Manor Inn, Limerock Inn, Granite Inn, Samoset Resort, and Camden National Bank.
Other photographic artwork by George Miller is available for purchase at the Maine Lighthouse Museum, One Park Drive in Rockland. For more information, please call the Maine Lighthouse Museum at 207-594-3301.