Nancy Bea Miller (Cert '91, MFA '14)

Art has always been a part of Nancy Bea Miller’s life. Growing up in a home filled with creativity, she was surrounded by inspiration. Her father, an advertising art director, and her mother, a nurse who studied art at the Art Students League, bonded over their shared love for painting. Their home overflowed with art books, and museum visits were a regular part of family life.

“I like to think I inherited my artistic abilities from my father,” Nancy says. “Our shelves were full of art books, and creative expression was part of daily life.”

Left: A portrait of the artist, Nancy Bea Miller. Center: "Monhegan Island Hollyhock," 16 inch round, acrylic on canvas. Right: "Sweet Brownie," 20 x 16 inches, oil on canvas. All courtesy of the artist Nancy Bea Miller.

Although art was always present, Nancy initially chose a more traditional path. After graduating high school, she opted for stability over creativity and enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied English Literature and Art History—unaware at the time of the PAFA/Penn BFA program. After college, she worked as a social worker, but something still felt missing.

“My boyfriend—now my husband—noticed that I seemed a bit lost and suggested we take an art class together,” she recalls. “As soon as I stepped into that classroom and smelled the oil paint, something clicked.”

Left: "Nasturtiums in a White Vase," 10 x 8 inches, oil on board. This award-winning still life received Best of Show in the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s “Art of the Flower” exhibition. Right: "Sunflower," 12 x 9 inches, oil on linen, 2023. A vibrant yellow sunflower with gently drooping petals, painted with expressive brushwork. All courtesy of the artist Nancy Bea Miller.

That moment sparked a return to her artistic roots. Nancy applied to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where she earned her Certificate in 1991 and later returned to complete her MFA in 2014.

“It wasn’t until I found PAFA that I truly became the artist I was meant to be,” she says. “PAFA is more than a school—it’s a vibrant institution where art history, creative exploration, and artistic legacy come together.”

Nancy describes her time at PAFA as transformative. The Academy’s unique integration of museum and studio allowed her to study masterpieces while refining her own techniques. She credits professors like Peter Paone and Al Gury for encouraging her development and helping her grow as an artist.

“They challenged me, believed in me, and pushed me toward mastery. That kind of mentorship was rare and invaluable.”

"Cut Tomato," 6 x 6 inches, oil on linen. A close-up still life of a freshly sliced tomato, rendered with rich color and delicate brushwork. Courtesy of the artist Nancy Bea Miller.

Since then, Nancy has exhibited her work nationally, from Colorado to Maine to New York City. Yet, she remains rooted in Philadelphia, where she maintains a thriving studio practice and teaches at colleges and art centers across the region.

This June, she opened her third solo exhibition at F.A.N. Gallery in Old City. Her work continues to explore themes of beauty, memory, and observation—reflections of a lifelong journey with art.

"PAFA holds a special place in my heart, not only because of its rich history and dynamic educational programs but also because it’s where my own artistic journey began. I am honored to be part of a tradition that nurtures artists and empowers us to discover and express our unique creativity."

Nancy’s experience reflects PAFA’s evolving legacy. As PAFA embraces new certificate offerings—including the Foundation Certificate, Studio Residency Certificate, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate—its core values remain the same: nurturing artists, honoring tradition, and creating space for every voice to grow.

Left: "Mango and Leaf," oil on linen, 8 x 8 inches. Center: "Pomelo with Blueberries," oil on rough linen, 10 x 10 inches. Right: "Yellow Plums." All courtesy of the artist Nancy Bea Miller.

Originally Written by Danielle Quinn, Manager of Membership and Annual Fund, April 2025 with updates by Kristin Geiger-Rayca, Digital Communications and Website Manager

Featured Artwork: "Yellow Plums," Courtesy of the artist Nancy Bea Miller.