A remarkable series of portraits by a Maine artist pays homage to women of color, capturing their essence and significance. Martha Miller, a renowned artist from Maine, was deeply moved when she witnessed Amanda Gorman’s eloquent recital at President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, dressed in a striking yellow ensemble. Enchanted by Gorman’s grace and beauty, Miller felt compelled to translate her presence onto her canvas, comparing her to a ballet dancer with expressive hand movements.

This artistic impulse set the stage for a prolific venture. Over the course of two months following the inauguration, Miller meticulously created 48 additional portraits. Each portrait celebrated an influential woman of color, spanning from activists and artists to schoolgirls. While Miller typically draws inspiration from real-life encounters, capturing familiar faces, this particular series was an exception. Due to the constraints of the pandemic, Miller turned to the internet for images, skillfully breathing life into historical figures and distant individuals.

Named the “Women of Color Portrait Project,” this collection of nearly 50 portraits is currently exhibited at the intimate Gallery Camee Davidson in Readfield, accessible until the end of the month. Miller has also crafted an accompanying glossy catalog, envisioning the possibility of taking her work on a traveling exhibition in the future.

The progression of portraits had a natural flow, with each creation leading to the next. After Gorman, Miller depicted Kamala Harris, the first female and person of color to assume the role of Vice President. As suggestions poured in, including those from her son, Eben Miller, a history professor specializing in African American history, the series expanded to include a diverse array of icons. This led to portraits of historical figures like Ida B. Wells, Michelle Obama, Billie Holiday, Harriet Tubman, and Oprah Winfrey.

However, the collection extended beyond well-known names, delving into the lives of lesser-known yet equally inspiring women of color. Martha Miller masterfully portrayed figures like Nannie Helen Burroughs, an educator from the early 20th century who established a school for working-class African American women. Zitkala-Sa, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, a Yankton Dakota writer and translator, received a powerful rendering, as did actress Nichelle Nichols, renowned for her portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in the original “Star Trek” series.

Despite the positive reception, Miller faced critique from a Black woman who believed her approach did not adequately celebrate women of color. This feedback prompted Miller to reconsider her artist’s statement, leading her to focus more on the subjects themselves. Her exhibition catalog now features concise biographies and quotes from each individual, accompanied by their portraits. In an act of solidarity, Miller donates 20 percent of catalog sales proceeds to the Maine NAACP, recognizing the privilege she holds as a white woman.

Martha Miller aspires for her portrait project to be received with the same awe and reverence she experienced when observing Amanda Gorman’s presence in 2021. Reflecting on her work, Miller conveys the profound sense of storytelling she felt while creating each piece. The Gallery Camee Davidson, where her collection is displayed, welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with appointments available at other times