Chris Miller: Confluence

Posted by Jessica Pettyjohn on

“This work, produced in 2021, results from the practice of observation and interpretation of the everyday, macro and micro, both summarizing and enhancing in turns encounters with the natural world. Steeped in moods, fragments of dreams, curiosity/obsession with a shape, breaking that apart or honoring it, sorting compositional elements to allow a flux in the order, intrigued by ambiguity, a sampling of a visual journal that drifts past conclusions, tending to inquire rather than answer.” – Chris Miller

About the Artist

Chris Miller was born in Carmel, California and grew up in southern California. The San Fernando Valley was in its late transition from agriculture to suburb, and pockets of abandoned orchards were interspersed with emergent residential subdivisions. Those orchards and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains afforded access to the natural world, an expansive back yard and, as with many children, he was frequently absorbed in expressing experiences in crayon and colored pencil drawings, giving physical form to his imagination. He would also find inspiration and encouragement from his grandfather, animator and fantasist Walt Disney.

This art pursuit accompanied Chris through high school and college (Fort Lewis College, CU Boulder, UC Santa Cruz), adventures in the film and bicycle industries, and has gained momentum over the past decade. After raising their two daughters in Telluride CO,  Chris and his wife Catherine McNamee moved back to California, this time to Napa Valley’s Soda Canyon where they have lived since 2012. Chris is the son of the late Ron and Diane Miller, founders of Silverado Vineyards.

Previous Exhibitions

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Warrior Dogs: Honoring the Service & Sacrifice of America’s Four-Legged Fighters

Warrior Dogs: Honoring the Service & Sacrifice of America’s Four-Legged Fighters

Warrior DogsCourage – Honor – Faithfulness – Sacrifice In the Main Gallery, extended through January 5, 2025presented in partnership with the Tug McGraw Foundation Closing...

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JEFF BRIDGES: PICTURES

JEFF BRIDGES: PICTURES

October 22, 2022 – April 30, 2023 JEFF BRIDGES: PICTURES, an exhibition exploring the work of the Oscar-winning actor, author and acclaimed photographer, will be on...

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Current & Upcoming Exhibits @ Napa Valley Museum of Art

Naomie Kremer: Seer

Naomie Kremer: Seer

On exhibition through March 8, 2026 The MAC’s new video wall launches with “SEER”, an original work by award-winning video artist Naomie Kremer UnbiddenOnce beheldOne...

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John Donohue: All the Restaurants of Napa Valley

John Donohue: All the Restaurants of Napa Valley

April 18, 2025 – March 8, 2026 In the MAC’s Mini-Gallery, a display of the distinctive sketches of the artist John Donohue, with limited edition...

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Treasures from the GAIA Foundation and the Museum’s Permanent Collection

Treasures from the GAIA Foundation and the Museum’s Permanent Collection

On exhibition through January 4, 2026 In the History Gallery: Works by Matisse, Pissarro, Picasso, Chagall and other fine artists on long-term loan to the...

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Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley

Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley

The Napa Valley Museum Yountville is proud to announce: “Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley,” an exhibition showcasing the exquisite botanical watercolor paintings...

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Julia Child: A Recipe for Life

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life

April 18, 2025 – March 8, 2026 Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, opened at The MAC on April 18 as an exhibition exploring the...

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Napa Valley Originals

Napa Valley Originals

On Exhibition through january 4, 2026 In the Spotlight Gallery through June 8, 2025: Local and regional artists have created this constantly-changing collection of original...

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