By Gretchen Pahia

We see it all around us. Pieces of artwork designed to impress,

make people think, and simply entertain. For Valley artist Robert Miley, it is about so much more. Miley is not only an artist but a humanitarian as well, using his work as a way to bring communities together. As he explains, “My mission, through my art and efforts, is to have people understand that anything is possible.”

For Miley, the art is set to speak for itself in ways of encouragement, community support, and even healing. “I have been told that my artwork has been used as a healing tool, encouraging people to reach for their fullest capabilities whatever their focus may be,” he said.

Miley discovered his love of art as a teenager, receiving his first major art award and a scholarship to the Wallingford Community Arts Center. Then, in 1974, Miley was accepted to the prestigious Hussain School of Art in Philadelphia. He graduated in 1978 and moved to Phoenix where he opened a full-service advertising agency. That trail lead to Miley’s amazing art pieces and sculptures that are displayed throughout Arizona.

Miley’s social conscious also grew when he started the nonprofit Release the Fear. The organization works with disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Arizona. “We teach character education along with social skills through team building and interactive programs,” said Miley. For Miley and his team at Release the Fear, it is about empowering these kids, as many of them come into the program feeling defeated and lost. However, he adds, “to see their improvement to opening up and learning to accept and change throughout our three-day programs is amazing. We have learned that our programs have helped teens get clean and avoid becoming a statistic, even keeping them from being a repeat offender in juvenile facilities.”

Miley’s work is recognized in several locations across the Valley and the state. Some of the locations include the Westin Kierland and Spa, Notre Dame Preparatory School and his Release the Fear sculpture in downtown Phoenix.

For further information about Release the Fear and how you can get involved, check out the organization online at releasethefear.org.

Gretchen Pahia has 15 years experience in both media and public relations and is an award-winning television news producer in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Portland. Gretchen is a native to Arizona, born and raised in Phoenix, and a graduate of Northern Arizona University. She lives in the Phoenix metro area with her husband, their two children and their dog.