Stella Miller

When 77-year-old Stella Miller looks back on her time in Lake Charles, one of the most satisfying things for her is that she has lived to see genuine change for African Americans in the community. She played a significant role in achieving that change as the executive director for the Black Heritage Gallery for 22 years.

“The gallery is a place for African Americans to show their work and for other people to see their work,” Miller said.

Miller retired last year from her position as executive director, one she held from the gallery’s opening in 2001. When it opened, she said there were little to no opportunities for African Americans to showcase their art. Now, the gallery does five individual shows a year and one group show a year. She said the opening receptions always feature diverse crowds of friendly people.

“The arts community is the friendliest community there is,” Miller said.

Most of the artists have Louisiana roots, even if they are now currently living abroad or elsewhere in the United States. The group show often features many Lake Charles artists. One year, a six-year-old artist participated.

Making an impact on children was one of Miller’s favorite parts of the job. When someone visited the gallery and said their child liked to draw, Miller would always encourage the parent to bring the child to the gallery for a future visit. Successful artists all start somewhere, and trips to galleries can provide inspiration for aspiring young artists.

Aside from her work in the gallery, Miller worked as the Upward Bound director at McNeese State University. Her job involved helping local high school students get into college.

Even though Miller retired as the gallery’s executive director, she still stays quite busy in the Lake Charles community. She has worked as a campaign manager for two candidates for judge and one candidate for city marshal. Instead of taking a salary for herself, she asked that the candidates make a donation to the gallery.

Miller’s work has not gone unnoticed. On January 18, Miller received the Civic Service Award — the highest recognition offered by the Chamber of Southwest Louisiana in honor of Miller’s efforts in the community.

A San Antonio native, Miller moved to Lake Charles when her first husband got a job there. A mother of two and a grandmother of two, she said she still loves the city for its people and its food.

“The people are genuine; the people are good,” Miller said.