​Since childhood, I have always been drawn to antique objects; they bring a relevance and history which contemporary objects do not offer.   This experience led to my exploration of historical drawings and etchings from the Victorian period, starting with Edwin Landseer, who was one of the most popular animal illustrators during this time period. 

Images of animals and children started to proliferate at the turn of the century as people sent greeting postcards and also read magazines like Harper’s Weekly which contained stories written and illustrated in serial fashion.  Printed magazines were available all over the country as reading became an important cultural activity and literacy increased.  In addition, life was documented and shared in wonderfully illustrated children’s books.  One can imagine domestic scenes by the fireside involving reading and the slow activity of embroidery.

Artwork and literature are rife with cultural symbols; they are a tool which teach our youth as well as shape adult behaviors.  Morals abound in these tales, both about humans and animals.  At this time, animals started to be seen as domestic companions and valued for their loyalty and compassion.  Many of these prints show scenes of tenderness and altruism, while others illustrate acts of aggression and barbary. 
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These stories and the prints which accompanied them, had a profound effect upon public perception of the treatment of animals and children leading to new organizations for their protection including the Society for the Care and Protection of Animals (SCPA) and new child labor laws.  Using research from this important historical period, I created a series of embroidered drawings on wool.  There is a kind of nostalgia in these images, not of a perfect world, but a slower paced life with some sweetness.   It is also important to note that the cultural awareness which awakened regarding children and animals unfortunately did not extend to all humanity, especially African Americans and immigrants.  The resulting embroideries seek to shine light upon our collective potential for acts of altruism and bravery, amidst the presence of depravity.  How can we extend the generosity of animals and children into contemporary society so that all people can find tenderness, sensitivity to others and begin to understand our collective value?

A message from the artist:

​"Every image tells a story...

Storytelling is a big part of what I bring to each photograph taken.  I am interested in capturing the mood, tone and feeling that express subject matter in its greatest light.  I have the patience it takes, and planning required to capture my imagery at just the right time to captivate the beholder.  These tactics were shared with me by my father who gave me my first camera, a shiny new Kodak "Hawkeye".  
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At Ohio University I studied Photography and was also privileged to meet my lovely wife Joy who was an Interior Design major.  My photographic education also included portraits with models both indoors and outside.  Throughout each shoot, I impart the importance of storytelling by applying empathy through the lens of my camera.  Today, I find myself enjoying capturing the majesty of waterfalls and calm bold decoration of the American southwest.  I hope you enjoy these lovely images and that they take you to a delightful place.
 
I hope you enjoy my photography and decide to purchase one for your home, office, a friend. 

Sincerely,

Marshall N. Miller"

Marshall's exhibition begins August 7 and will run through August 29.

On February 28th we hosted our Opera Tea in honor of famous opera soloist and Lebanon resident, Laura Bellini. Born in Lebanon, Ohio, Laura Bellini (1848-1931) was a soprano opera singer of note on three continents.  Her magnificent singing voice was discovered when she was in a local church choir.
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Special Guests 
Christopher Milligan, the General Director & CEO of the Cincinnati Opera and Natalie Drury (Soprano Soloist).

Menu
Orange or Raspberry White Chocolate Scones
Orange Marmalade or Raspberry Jam
Clotted Cream
Twinings Lady Grey Tea
Quiche Lorraine
Cumber Stack Sandwich
Radish Sandwich
tomato stuffed with blue cheese and bacon salmon on pumpernickel, grapes.
The BonBonerie Bakery’s Opera Cream Cake

We were pleased when attendees referred to the tea as both "elegant" and "wonderful."

​Future Teas:
April 24th -  The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company joins us for "A Celebration of Shakespeare"
October 23rd - "A Shaker Tea" with Special Guest: the Whitewater Singers
December 18th - "A Dickens of a Tea" It is rumored that Dickens himself will be joining us.

For tickets and more information, click here.

A sold-out crowd (the event sold out a month in advance) played bingo for a chance to win designer handbags! Coach, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Michael Kors and more were up for grabs.

If you'd like your shot, tickets for our next event are almost sold out. You can purchase them here.

The annual Civil War Encampment at Glendower Historic Mansion is seeking  sponsorship! Sponsors will have their logos printed in our program and as well on signage at the event. If you would like to be a sponsor, please fill out the application form and return it to Harmon Museum 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon, Ohio.
Entertainment Sponsor ($300) - This year, the lovely ladies of Lafferty Pike will be entertaining guests with music, song and dance.
Education Sponsor ($250) - Guests will get the opportunity to experience close quarter drill, learn campfire cooking, learn about period firearms first hand and more!  
Gunpowder Sponsor ($250) - Gunpowder is expensive. Who doesn't like to hear things go boom?

If you have any questions, please contact Vicky at 513 9320-1817 by email at wchs@wchsmuseum.org.