TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Drawing Studio announces the hire of Executive Director, Maggie Rush Miller, daughter of founder, Andrew Rush. Maggie brings decades-long experience in the nonprofit environment, particularly in the serving of marginalized youth. Her background in performing arts and creative writing centered on the African American experience, fortifies her dedication to the ever-expanding need for access to art for all.
A second generation resident of Rancho Linda Vista, a half-century old artist ”commune” in the high desert of Oracle, Arizona, Maggie’s first career began in New York City, embarking upon a decades-long stint in theater, film and television working with such extraordinary talents as playwright, Susan-Lori Parks and Oscar-winning Filmmaker, Spike Lee (Girl 6). Other noteworthy appearances included Homicide, Life on the Streets as well as the iconic film, Juice.
Her “second career” began with a return to her desert home with the intention of raising her family amongst the cactus and monsoons. Her three children were the impetus in the creation of summer-long “art camps” where youth (4 to 18) could find joyful and healing expression through multi-media art forms including film, dance, music, poetry, crafts and visual arts.
Around this time (1992), her father, renowned printmaker Andrew Rush, and twenty artist friends created The Drawing Studio (TDS) to offer opportunities to teaching artists and student artists outside of traditional institutions. Since then, TDS has expanded into an intentionally inclusive non-profit organization. At present, TDS isn’t just a place for people to learn how to draw; the mission is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace art practice as a pathway to culturally expansive art education, personal wellness and healthy community.
So, here we are, 33 years later, with a most appropriate “passing of the baton” from father to daughter. The elder Rush explains,“In addition to her stellar personal career, growing up at Rancho Linda Vista where the practice of the arts has been a way of life, Maggie has a historic grasp of my fundamental vision of The Drawing Studio and its future as an institution. I could not be more proud.”
Added to this, Maggie’s sentiments are, “I could not be more grateful for this opportunity as I believe that, in these complicated times, turning toward art is one of the many reliable and fulfilling tools, whether for fun, solace, deep meditation or as mere diversion. The consistent practice of art creates wondrous transformation, i.e., good things! It is now my job to ensure that everyone that wants to participate, can.”
Photo available upon request.
