“May the Art Be With You:” Local Gallery Hosts Star Wars-Themed Event

This Friday and Saturday, local artists reveal their inner Jedi or Sith at William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art in downtown Myrtle Beach.

In tandem with the much anticipated release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” artist and gallery owner Miller has put together a Star Wars tribute art show called “The Force Within You,” which is slated to feature themed artwork across a variety of disciplines – including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more.

Miller set up shop on Main Street a year ago after relocating from Houston, TX, where he also owned a gallery. In 2014, he received a proclamation from the mayor of Houston for his contributions to the art scene there.

Last weekend, he hosted a 12x12 art show – showcasing 110 pieces from 60 artists – with the objective being to display art in a uniform size and selling it at a rate that would be affordable for locals.

Miller got the inspiration for the Star Wars-themed show because he noticed the continued growth of a similar undertaking at a gallery in Houston, which usually takes place around May 4 – [May the fourth be with you].

“I was like, if that’s successful, we have the new movie opening – let’s do a Star Wars theme. We put out the call for artists, and I am excited to see what shows up,” he said.

Miller is a Star Wars fan – and this would seem like a prerequisite to mounting such an undertaking.

“I was a youngster in the 70s when the first one came out, and I remember going to the theater and waiting in line to see it – and again in the 80s – so for me it is kind of one of those cultural things that I have lived with for so long, and I am excited to see it continue on.”

He said he is intrigued by advances in CGI, or computer-generated imagery in the film industry, and is a self-proclaimed sci-fi geek.

“I am hoping that I have a faux pas artist who shows up and has given me Spock or something,” he said, adding that he would also like to see people show up dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters.

Local artist Deb Perkins created seven pieces for this show, but said it is up to Miller how many will be on display. She met him through a mutual friend, and was invited to join a group called ARTescape Creative Artists Group, which was created by Miller.

“Just to be in the show is a great deal of fun, but hopefully I’ll sell enough to support my ‘habit,’” she said.

Perkins said she saw the original Star Wars with her then 3-year-old son in tow.

“He was too little to hold the seat down. He sat on my lap chanting, ‘Where’s Chewbacca, mommy?’ By the time [Chewbacca] showed up, he was sound asleep.”

She said she has been painting off and on for years, from sketches to set pieces for plays and movies.

“Now that I have retired and my kids have flown the nest, I can finally work on my passion,” she said. “At 65, I have begun yet another career. Life is good to those who stay stimulated.”

Jen Pierce is an art teacher at Myrtle Beach High School.

“My goal is to foster meaningful engagement in the arts by creating a culture where young artists thrive,” she said.

A few months ago, Pierce attended the first ARTescape group meeting and said she fell in love with Miller’s vision for the local arts community.

“He has a fresh enthusiasm that is contagious,” she said.

Last year, a young artist named Julian Warmbo, now a senior at Myrtle Beach High School, was one of Pierce’s students. He has an eye to attending art school in New York.

“When William came up with the idea for the Star Wars tribute show, I instantly thought of Julian and some of the original Star Wars-inspired art he had been creating.”

Warmbo is one of the contributing artists for The Force Within You, and his work is featured on the event postcard.

“I have a huge appreciation for what William is bringing to this area. He is doing a phenomenal job of bringing artists together and giving all levels a place to share their work,” she said.

Miller’s ultimate goal is for his studio to become a destination for future shows.

And he is optimistic about “The Force Within You.”

“In my heart of hearts, I hope that when people come, they find it fun and support some of the local artists by buying their art. But if one person comes and has a positive experience, I will be thrilled,” he said.

Check out “The Force Within You” Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday from 1-6 p.m. at William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art, 714 Main Street in Myrtle Beach. For more info, call (843) 410-9535 or hit up www.williamhmiller.com.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 8:28 PM with the headline "“May the Art Be With You:” Local Gallery Hosts Star Wars-Themed Event."