Arts Gala

The pair will receive the Arts Foundation’s Creative Visionary Award, which is presented to someone who is committed to strengthening the arts and fostering a vibrant, creative community.

“The Cape is a richer, more welcoming, more connected, and more artistic community because of Rick and Oren’s dedication to arts and culture,” said Arts Foundation Executive Director Julie Wake. “That dedication shines brightly in their work coaching, supporting, and mentoring Cape artists through our Creative Exchange program. Together and separately, the pair have shown a passion for the arts and for improving the region by ensuring creativity is embedded into the character of the Cape. We look forward to celebrating Rick and Oren and their contributions in June.”

“This was a complete surprise. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be recognized like this because I’m not an artist, but it did get me thinking about how it is I live with and use creativity in my own life,” said Miller. “Because I live with Oren, who is an artist, I’ve come to understand the world through the viewpoint of someone who is creative. Over the years, I’ve learned to cultivate my own eye towards art, which is something I never did or thought I had the ability to do.”

“I was stunned and overwhelmed with by what an honor this is and what this award means. And I’m just incredibly grateful to be recognized by an organization that I respect so much,” Sherman said. “Vision brings purpose to creativity. When I think about this award, I realize that creativity isn’t valuable unless you bring it out of your own head and into the world. …The goal of any gift you have is to give it away.”

Last year, Miller served as a coach for artists in the Arts Foundation’s Capacity-Building Program, which supports local creatives in strengthening the business side of their practice. This year, he has been joined by Sherman in supporting 15 artists who were selected for the latest iteration of the cohort.

“The program is amazing, and the artists selected for it are incredibly talented,” Miller said. “I’m so impressed by the seriousness of their work, their vulnerability, and their willingness to want to grow and change. And I was blown away that they were so appreciative of what I have to offer as a psychotherapist and business coach.”

Sherman, who grew up outside of Boston, was drawn to art at a young age. “I knew when I was a child I wanted to be an artist,, my mom was an artist, and I grew up around creatives,” he said. “I knew there was no question I would do anything else.”

He followed that passion, graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and becoming an illustrator, creating artwork for a variety of clients that have included PepsiCo, Disney, the Olympics, Visa, Hermes, and Mobil Oil. He has designed more than a half-dozen postage stamps.

He is also an instructor at his alma mater, teaching classes on entrepreneurship at RISD for more than 10 years.

He is using his expertise, as a college instructor, artist, and entrepreneur in his role as a coach with Miller with the Arts Foundation’s Capacity-Building Program. Together, they are supporting artists in the creation of a business plan that will identify actionable steps to improve the sustainability of their creative practice.

As someone who has achieved a high level of success in the creative field, he relishes the opportunity to give back to others pursuing a career in the arts. “When my students achieve great success, I don’t feel like I’m responsible for it, but I feel like I’ve played a little part of it, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “Seeing their dreams come true is just the best feeling.”