Declared in 1995 by former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, Tom Miller Day is an inaugural celebration honoring the life and art of Thomas Patton Miller (1945–2000). The day has been lost in the archives. However, the artist’s spirit and hand still exist all around Baltimore.

Join the Maryland Institute Black Archives, The Maryland Institute College of Art, the city of Baltimore, and some of the artist’s closest friends for a week-long celebration of Tom Miller and his Afro-Deco style during the week of February 18th. Learn about his life, artworks, mural locations, and stories from those who knew him. The highlight of the week will be a reading of ‘Can a Coal Scuttle Fly’ at noon.

‘Can a Coal Scuttle Fly’ is the true tale of a boy with a talent for seeing life and stories in objects, people, and places. He feels good about his world and finds art all around—even in something as unlikely as an old coal scuttle. The children’s book is an autobiography of Tom Miller’s life. Printed by the Maryland Historical Society the book is illustrated by the artist. It is written by Camay Calloway Murphy, a retired American educator, and the daughter of Jazz bandleader and singer, Cab Calloway.