KNOXVILLE, TN — A maker, by one definition, is one who has the gift to take raw materials, ideas and concepts and bring them to life: one able to communicate those ideas with other like-minded talented individuals, birthing beautiful objects from heart and mind. For these talented individuals, the end product is just part of the creative journey, for from the very beginning of the thought to the feel of materials used, even the bumps and bruises along the creation pathway, all of the experiences matter to the maker.
Margo Miller is that kind of maker.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, she led the Appalachian Community Fund for over 13 years, raising millions to support those on the front lines fighting against racism, promoting social justice and economic issues. Along with her abilities to bring community together, for decades, she has been an avid craftsman with the gift of design, always working magic with her hands.
Deeply involved in projects for communities of need, she has provided hundreds of hand-crocheted caps for the homeless and handmade knitted blankets for the elderly through her collaborative work with local knitting clubs over the last few years. She is the co-founder of the Magnolia Art House, a community space for creative and healing art that provides space for local art exhibitions, live music, and wellness. Her diverse skills and her willingness to help others led to her appointment with the City of Knoxville’s Maker Council in August of this year.
As a member of the council, Miller will join with other makers to develop plans and workshops to help creative businesses grow. The group advises on policy and connects the communities across the city together. Miller, who is from East Knoxville, looks forward to bringing her gifts to the table, saying, “The Maker Council is already doing important work to celebrate, connect and support Knoxville’s creative community. I would like to see that work continue to deepen into neighborhoods and communities where makers may not always feel connected to existing creative economy spaces, including East Knoxville. More accessible programming, stronger neighborhood-based partnerships, and clearer pathways for makers to find resources, share their work, build skills and connect with one another would help broaden that impact. I would love to be a part of that work and would be honored to help deepen it.”
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