Diana Miller

The world lost a shining star with the passing of beloved Taos gallerist, Diana Miller, on October 27, 2024, at her home in Abiquiu, NM, from complications of diabetes.

Born Diana Dolan in Keokuk, IA. on July 19, 1949, Diana grew up in eastern Michigan. Following her academic studies, she spent a good deal of time traveling in Europe refining her knowledge of art history, particularly that of the 17th century Flemish and Dutch painters. On returning to Michigan she met Lon Miller, the love of her life. Lon and Diana moved together to New Orleans where they were married on Valentine’s Day 1980. In New Orleans Diana explored another of her passions-baking. She enrolled in the New Orleans Apprentice Chefs program headed at that time by renowned chef, Paul Prudhomme, eventually becoming a pastry chef. Her innovative and delectable desserts and pastries could be found in several fine New Orleans restaurants in the 1980s. The end of that decade found Diana returning to the world of art. She joined the sales staff of Hanson Art Gallery on Royal Street in New Orleans, where she forged many decades-long friendships with her clients and colleagues. She remained at Hanson Gallery until August of 2005 when she fled the city in advance of Hurricane Katrina. Her refuge was Taos. And she stayed.

Taos and its art community fit Diana like a glove. After several years of assisting other gallery owners, Diana’s dream came true, and in 2011 she opened Copper Moon Gallery at 105 Kit Carson Road. The gallery was a brilliant success. Diana represented the works of hugely talented regional painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and jewelers. Her artists adored her, and she adored her artists. Her clients loved her, and she loved them. Her collectors repeatedly acquired artwork from her with fierce loyalty.

In March of 2020, with a diabetes diagnosis and the Covid-19 pandemic occurring almost simultaneously, Diana made the difficult decision to retire and close Copper Moon Gallery. She relocated to Abiquiu later that year where she was a valued board member of the Abiquiu Studio Tour. She also served on the board of the Taos Gallery Association for several years.

Diana leaves behind a loving family— her brother Kevin Dolan (Beverly) of Flushing, Mi., niece Natalie Zaller (John) of Atlanta, Ga., and nephew Trevor Dolan (Sarae) of Grand Ledge, Mi. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Marian Dolan, and her husband Lon Miller.

The following is one of Diana’s favorite quotes.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Pablo Picasso

Diana’s life was a gift to all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held in Taos at a date yet to be determined.