Raised in the Heights in Houston, TX, Danielle Miles is an old soul articulating the truth of art through a child’s eyes. Always drawn by the arts, from dance to piano, drama to music, visual art became her vigilant companion as she has progressed into a phenomenal artisan sought after for her unique creative perception.

Often dreaming of the shapes and hues in her work before it reaches the medium, Danielle does more than simply paint pictures or craft graphic designs. She seeks the soul in the silhouette, the music in the mélange of life’s collage, and to rescue the color from the flatness of mere photographed memories. Her work leaves a lucid legacy of interpretation that obligates the observer to remember that art is a freedom and depth of life that manifests when truth is fearlessly embraced.

She infuses reverence of her ancestors into her creations continuously, being conscious of their presence, influence, and importance in her life; generations of her family’s women speak through every curve and color of her works. Often known as an introverted, highly focused work-a-holic, Danielle loses herself in what she does because to her, this “work” is her joy, her passion, her bridge to her past, and her flight into her future.

  - Asia Rainey

  Writer, Spoken Word Artist

In celebration of the 40th anniversary Festival, the Crafts department will host a special art exhibit entitled “Outside the Tent”. This art exhibit will take place from Saturday April 18, 2009 through Friday May 1, 2009 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation office (Governor Nicholls & N. Rampart Street). Included is an opening night reception on Saturday April 18th from 6 to 8 PM.

Jessica Strahan and I will be exhibiting at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. April 24-26 and April 30- May 1