(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- ArtPride New Jersey honors the retirement of Ann Marie Miller, a stalwart advocate for the arts in our community, marking the close of a legendary 28-year tenure that has indelibly shaped the art sector within the Garden State. With hands that have woven not just the threads of her tapestry artworks but the very fabric of the arts community, Ann Marie has penned a love letter to the world she adored and nurtured.

From the pivotal moment in 1995, when Ann Marie joined ArtPride as its first full-time Executive Director, backed by the coalition of the Arts Challenge Fund, she sculpted a path that led the organization to become a formidable advocate for arts funding and policy. Using emerging technologies to connect art lovers to policymakers and spearheading initiatives that underscored the socio-economic impact of the arts, Ann Marie ensured that the arts in New Jersey burgeoned, blossoming in every nook and corner of the state.

With her leadership, ArtPride became an instrumental force behind the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ ability to grant almost $33 million annually to artists and organizations, ensuring that the vibrancy of the arts continues to enrich lives across the state. Her influence has reached beyond borders, touching the hearts and spirits of artists, policymakers, and advocates alike.

The outpouring of admiration from the community speaks to Ann Marie’s indomitable spirit and legacy. Adam Perle, President, and CEO of ArtPride NJ, fondly stated, "ArtPride New Jersey jubilantly celebrates the remarkable retirement of Ann Marie Miller, an unwavering champion of the arts in our beloved community, culminating in an extraordinary 28-year journey that has left its mark on the cultural tapestry of the New Jersey. Through her tireless dedication and unwavering commitment, Ann Marie has fine-tuned statewide arts advocacy efforts and cultivated a formidable legion of advocates. Ann Marie's strategic leadership has been instrumental in producing multiple economic activity studies, underscoring the invaluable contributions of New Jersey's nonprofit arts community to towns across the state. Thanks to her unwavering perseverance, exceptional relationship-building skills, and groundbreaking legislative efforts, public support of the arts at local, state, and federal levels has increased dramatically during her tenure. Ann Marie's legacy is one of unparalleled achievement. Her impact on the arts sector in New Jersey will be remembered and celebrated for generations."

Paul McCrae, Assistant Director of the New Jersey Ballet and ArtPride New Jersey Board of Trustees Chair reflects, “Ann Marie has been a proven leader and coalition builder for the past quarter century, inspiring and motivating the New Jersey Arts community to work together for the greater good. Her dedication to the value of the arts community's economic impact on the larger state economy has set ArtPride NJ apart as a leading service and advocacy organization nationally. Ann Marie’s pleasant demeanor and compassion are ever-present, whether building coalitions with other statewide constituents, enlightening legislative partners, or mounting a grassroots campaign. She leaves a lasting imprint on this organization. Although, her legacy will live on in the many young advocates and arts leaders she has mentored. I am grateful for her guidance and friendship over the many years of working alongside her.”

Indeed, Ann Marie’s career journey has been nothing short of exemplary, encompassing roles such as Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation, Director of Development at McCarter Theatre, and Grants Coordinator for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Her voice resonated as a thought leader in arts advocacy, influencing policy, and inspiring a generation of arts champions.

Ann Marie’s educational and artistic journey began at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, where she graduated with a B.S. in Art Education. Her talent as a fiber artist, specializing in tapestry, has graced many galleries and museums throughout New Jersey and the metropolitan region.

Upon reflection, Ann Marie muses, "I am grateful to all who graciously and kindly lent their passion and skills to this journey, way too many to thank individually. I feel blessed to have worked among you.” Her retirement, beginning in January 2024, signals not an end, but a rich new chapter, and as Lynne Toye, Executive Director, NJ Arts & Culture Renewal Fund at Princeton Area Community Foundation, exclaims, “Congratulations, Ann Marie! Looking forward to seeing where your next adventure takes you.”

ArtPride New Jersey extends its heartiest congratulations and warm wishes to Ann Marie for her forthcoming adventures. While her daily presence will be deeply missed, her impact and spirit will continue to resonate through the corridors of every arts institution she touched.

Let’s raise our glasses to Ann Marie, a true luminary in the world of arts advocacy, as she steps into a well-earned retirement. May her journey ahead be as vibrant and inspiring as the legacy she leaves behind.

The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the value of the arts to New Jersey’s quality of life, education, and economic vitality through research and a variety of programs and services.