Phillips’ Mill in New Hope was packed on June 1st with partiers celebrating the 91st birthday of Eleanor Miller-Broadway actress, historian, community supporter, realtor, wife, mother, and local icon.
The petite tour de force is also the founder of the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts (NHCFA), and the party was a fundraiser for that nonprofit organization.
The foundation is dedicated to making the English Gothic Village in the Phillips’ Mill historic district once again a retreat where artists can create in the same studios and landscapes that inspired the Pennsylvania Impressionists.
One of those artists was R.A.D. Miller, Eleanor’s father-in-law.
“People come along River Road and suddenly they are in England. It’s such a magical spot,” Miller said.
Party guests were treated to a video presentation about the history of the village and the PA Impressionists and the foundation’s mission to resurrect the art colony that made the history-laden village one of the most unique enclaves in the United States.
Lots of stories about Eleanor, many laughs and great food highlighted the evening.
A special bonus for guests was the display of paintings by David Stier, on loan from his exhibition at the foundation’s gallery at 2594 River Road, New Hope, until Sunday, June 16th.
For more information about the foundation, visit www.newhopearts.org.
PHOTO CAP: NHCFA Founder Eleanor Miller, makes her stage entrance with NHCFA Board of Trustees President Lawrence Booth.