Educational Background/Training
- BS International Business and Spanish, High Point University
- Semester Abroad, Spanish American Institute, Seville, Spain
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, George Washington University
- 30-year career in financial services and nonprofit leadership before becoming a full-time artist
- National Scholastic Arts & Writing, Painting Juror for Central Virginia, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Artist Residency, Skopelos Foundation of the Arts, Skopelos, Greece, 2023
- Co-host and art teacher, Art of Living Well Retreat in Greece, a partnership with Eyia Retreats, 2023, 2024, 2025
About the Artist/Ensemble
After a traumatic brain injury forced her into complete isolation and cognitive rest, artful living took on new meaning; it became an essential part of her healing.
Today, self-taught artist Theodora Miller has a thriving creative practice and signature style. Studio time is exploratory in nature, building up layers of acrylic paint and playing with colorful paint skins from her recycled palette papers. Her ever-evolving visual language is influenced by nature, ancient symbols, global cultures and historic languages. Theodora’s calligraphic designs are an authentic expression of her Greek identity, merging memory, emotion and history into visual statements that are uniquely her own.
Theodora is a lifelong learner and her creative energy knows no bounds as she has expanded her painterly aesthetic beyond paper to ceramics, textiles, jewelry and other artful gifts. Her creations reside in corporate collections, medical facilities and in private homes around the globe. She creates at the STUΔIO – a space for creativity and connection, located in the historic Fan District in Richmond. With her STUΔΙΟ co-founder Vana Chupp, they make space for creative exploration, workshops, and other community events. Annually she co-hosts the Art of Living Well retreat in Greece with curated immersive experiences that are a beautiful blend of wellness, culture, food, connection and creativity.
Educational Program Description
Theodora customizes presentations, demos, lesson plans, and workshops to best fit the audience and your organization’s objectives. Some of her signature workshops include:
- Blooming Girls abstract botanicals and paint chip collage- art exploration that embraces imperfection that serves as a reminder to keep blooming in every season of life
- Grammata & Lucky Charms – abstract art projects that introduce the Greek alphabet and ancient symbols to participants as a means of inviting them to embrace their personal identity and to set bold affirmations for future growth
- Shadow Dancing – exploring line and form with nature as our guide (best suited for outdoor exploration in the presence of sun and shadows).
- Abstraction with the Greats – exploring the signature styles of historic artists that inspire your own interpretations.
- STUΔΙΟ Play Dates – a series of open-ended creative prompts for adults to reconnect with the power of play.
Theodora’s artistic home STUΔΙΟ, a space devoted to creativity and connection, is located in the historic Fan District in Richmond and is available for hosting small group workshops and private events. In addition, Theodora is available to travel to bring her inspirational story and creativity sessions to those looking for a mindful immersive experience.
Testimonials
“This was so much fun! At first I had trepidation about doing this “well”, but that feeling ebbed in being creative and just playing like a kid — and I love the outcome. Theodora was great.” — Blooming Girls Workshop participant, OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Richmond
“The art class on Sunday so exceeded anything I could have imagined! You are an amazing and passionate teacher! We all left so excited about our creations. Many thanks from my family and friends for such a wonderful afternoon.”— Bonnie Makdad
“Theodora consistently demonstrated a deep passion for art education and a remarkable ability to connect with young learners. She used innovative teaching methods to introduce complex concepts in abstract art in a way that was accessible and enjoyable for the students. Many parents expressed gratitude for the creative environment Theodora fostered, which allowed their children to explore their artistic talents freely.”— Katherine Cockerham, St. Catherine’s School
“Theodora Miller is an exceptional artist and instructor whose workshops have become a highlight of our gallery’s programming. Her ability to inspire, teach, and create a supportive environment for artistic exploration is truly remarkable. One of Theodora’s greatest strengths as an instructor is her ability to create a nurturing and safe environment for creativity. She achieves this in part by sharing her personal journey from a traumatic brain injury to becoming a full-time artist. This openness helps to disarm nervous participants and encourages them to embrace the creative process without fear or hesitation.” —Diana Nelson, Quirk Gallery
Audiences
- All Ages