Standing in front of a commission I did for a garden gate in Winter Haven, FloridaGregory Mills

I am a photographer and teach digital photography classes for adults at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida. I also am the Museum's Exhibits and Technology Manager. To improve my photography skills, I have take over 35 online classes through creativeLIVE.com.


Each week I run the sound for the contemporary service at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. When I can find the time, I am also a sculptor and have made liturgical furniture and crosses for several churches.

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Vitae

Sculptor, Exhibits Specialist, PC Support Specialist, Woodworker, Photographer, Audio Technician, Graphic Designer, Artist, IT Manager, Teacher, Student

 

Professional Experience

Exhibits & Technology Manager (1996 - Present)

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida

  • Responsible for the installation and maintenance of exhibits including transportation, crating, design, exhibit graphics, hanging, lighting, exhibit fixture construction, etc.
  • Frame artworks with museum quality framing techniques
  • Responsible for the long term care of the Museum's permanent collection as well as environmental monitoring and control
  • Repaired damage to sculptures in the Museum's collection as well as works in the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition
  • Proposed the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition to the City of Lakeland. Wrote the initial guidelines of how the competition would work. Oversee the installation of the competition in Lakeland and Winter Haven each year
  • Produced maps, gallery handouts, orthographic and isometric prints with CAD software; create vinyl graphics and text with a cutting plotter; create multimedia presentations and lectures
  • Served as Acting Registrar and Curatorial Department Head on three occasions for a total of 1 1/2 years, performing all the duties of a registrar including condition reporting, producing legal contracts and making shipping arrangements as well as overseeing the Curatorial Department budget
  • Disaster & Hurricane Preparedness Coordinator. Responsible for conducting annual hurricane training. Wrote the Museum's disaster manual and update it yearly.
  • Produce videos of lectures as well as videos content for use in the galleries and for the internet
  • Photograph artwork and events for publication in catalogs and on the internet
  • Responsible for creating content and managing the Museum's cell phone audio tour
  • Create and produce content for multiple digital signage displays
  • Network Administrator managing a 30+ workstation network with Windows XP and Windows 7 computers and a Windows Server 2008 server. Also manage two other onsite physical networks including one for the Lakeland Montessori Middle School.
  • Responsible for all maintenance, upgrades and acquisitions of computers and AV equipment.
  • Responsible for all aspects of computer and network security, which includes an Astaro Security. Gateway, DNS based and hardware based content filters, local and server based firewall/anti-virus, multiple backups with encryption for offsite backups, etc. 
  • Administrator for the Museum's email using Google Apps for Non-Profits.
  • Manage the Museum's 10 workstation computer lab which is used for teaching computer graphics and digital photography. Lab is also used by Lakeland Montessori Middle School students.
  • Designed and implemented the Museum's wireless network which consists on two physical networks (one public and one private) and seven wireless access points.

 

Audio Technician (1998 - Present)

First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida

  • Responsible for setting up and taking down instruments and equipment used in the contemporary worship service including piano, two keyboards, bass, two or three guitars, 10 to 12 vocal mics, monitors, etc.
  • Run the sound for rehearsal and during the worship service

 

Teacher (2010 - Present)

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida

  • Teaching adult digital photography for beginners and intermediate students in Spring and Fall art classes. Classes are for 6 weeks, 3 hours each week. Classes cover buying a digital camera, how to use them, how to upload photos, and basic photo editing. Workflow, backing up your photos and other best practices are also covered
  • Digital SLR Photography for beginners and intermediate students
  • Teach day long photography workshops for beginners and intermediate students
  • Lectured on portrait photography techniques as part of the Annie Leibovitz: Women exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art
  • The Art of Framing & Hanging
  • Setting up a home photography studio
  • Studio lighting

 

Teacher (2011 - 2012)

Lake Wales Public Library in Lake Wales, Florida

  • Teach day long Saturday photography workshops for beginners and intermediate students
  • Point & Shoot Photography
  • Intro to DSRL Photography

 

Exhibits Specialist (1996 - Present)

Freelance

  • Hired by both private collectors as well as institutions to layout and install 2D and 3D artworks in homes, offices, churches, galleries and educational institutions
  • Hired to pack and crate objects for shipping
  • Consults on issues of care and archival storage of objects and artworks
  • Installed over 25,000 works of art since 1991 counting work at the Polk Museum of Art and other institutions
  • Framing and reframing artwork

 

PC Desktop Support Specialist (2000 - Present)

Freelance

  • Computer repair and data recovery
  • Consult on purchasing consumer electronics and computers
  • New PC setup and optimization including security and backup software
  • Give private computer lessons, specializing in computer use for first time users and elderly users
  • Setup home and small business networks, both wired and wireless

 

Photographer (2001 - Present)

Freelance

  • Commissioned to take photographs of an artwork by Loren Tilden for The Artist's Magazine (2010)
  • Photographed sculptures, two dimensional artwork and exhibits for numerous catalogs, brochures and publications
  • Commissioned to take fine art photographs for presentations and awards
  • Photographed events for First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, Florida and the Polk Museum of Art
  • Fine art photographer specializing in cityscape and night photography
  • Portraits including engagement, birthday and special occasion photographs
  • Studio portraits on location such as wedding receptions and birthday partys

 

Preparator (1992)

Catherine Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina

  • Responsible for the installation and deinstallation of all exhibits
  • Oversaw the installation of the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition at Appalachian State University

 

Sculpture Studio Supervisor (1991 - 1992)

Art Department, Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina

  • First Undergraduate at Appalachian State University to receive an instructional assistantship to supervise other students in the sculpture studio
  • Responsible for enforcing all safety protocols, including OSHA regulations
  • Responsible for all upkeep and maintenance of sculpture studio equipment
  • Assisted art students and professors in technical aspects of fabrication, equipment use
  • Helped sculpture professors prepare demonstrations and lectures

 

Lectures and Teaching Experience

Numerous lectures, hands on classes, workshops and presentations given to schools, colleges, antique clubs and churches

  • Beginning to Intermediate Digital SLR Photography
  • Intermediate DSLR Photography
  • The Art of Framing & Hanging
  • Portrait Photography
  • Point & Shoot Photography
  • Introduction to DSLR Cameras
  • Using Computers and the Internet
  • Sculpture
  • Caring for Art & Antiques
  • The Artwork of Gregory Mills
  • Faux Finish Painting Techniques
  • Art and Chemistry
  • Color Theory
  • Life as an Artist's Apprentice
  • Careers in Art
  • Adult Sunday school leader

 

Education

Apprentice to Sculptor John Henry (1993 - 1996)

Parkers Lake, Kentucky and Miami, Florida

  • Fabricated, transported and installed Henry's sculptures from miniature to monumental scale
  • Fabricated numerous editions of Henry's sculptures
  • Assisted with the patination of Henry's bronzes and preparing the aluminum pieces for automotive paint finishes
  • Repaired and refinished Henry's sculptures as well as for other artists
  • Assisted with the day-to-day running and upkeep of the studios in both Miami and Kentucky
  • Built and assisted with running Henry's Gallery in Miami, T.Curtsnoc Fine Arts
  • Constructed additions and made improvements to both studios
  • Photographed Henry's sculptures for publication
  • Fabricated the award trophies for the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts

 

Bachelor of Fine Arts (1987 - 1993)

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina

  • Major in Studio Arts with a concentration in Sculpture. Areas of study included carving, casting, modeling and construction
  • Minor in Industrial Technology. Areas of study included wood technology, industrial metals, industrial plastics and drafting
  • Secondary concentrations in painting and printmaking
  • Additional course study included performance art, photography, fibers, jewelry making and art history
  • Very involved with the Tri-State Sculptors Guild
  • Enrolled in Watauga College Interdisciplinary Studies Program within Appalachian State University from 1987 to 1990

 

Academic Awards

  • The first Undergraduate at Appalachian State University to receive an Instructional Assistantship (1992)
  • Dean's List
  • Scholarship from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (1987)
  • 1st Place in the North Carolina High School Art Competition (1987)

 

Awards, Commissions, Publications and Exhibitions

  • Had a photograph of Lake Morton published in Gross Point Magazine (Page 26, February-March, 2013 Issue)
  • Had numerous photos published in many issues of Art i facts Magazine
  • Commissioned to design a cross for the chapel at First United Methodist Church or Orlando, Florida (2012)
  • Commissioned to create a fine art photograph of part of downtown Lakeland that included a sculpture by Bill King. Photography was then presented to both Mr. King and to the University of Florida, Gainesville when he received an honorary doctorate (2011)
  • Commissioned by the Florida United Methodist Foundation to design and fabricate a cross used as a retirement gift (2008)
  • Commissioned by the estate of Fonchen Lord to evaluate, repair, relocate and rehang her sculptures on the Polk Community College, Winter Haven campus as well as at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida
  • Commissioned to design and fabricate a sculpture that is a functioning garden gate for a private collector in Winter Haven, Florida (2006)
  • Won a competition to design and build a sculpture for College Heights Park in Lakeland, Florida (2005)
  • Featured artist in Today and Tonight Magazine (2004)
  • Platform Florida exhibiting artist (2004)
  • Four person exhibit at Arts on the Park in Lakeland, Florida (2002)
  • Commissioned to design and build an outdoor sculpture for an Orthodontist's office in Lakeland, Florida (2001)
  • Commissioned to design and build several crosses for a private collector in Lakeland, Florida
  • Commissioned to design and build a cross for Christ United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida
  • Listed in Who's Who of Business Professionals
  • Two person exhibit at Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Florida (1999)
  • Commissioned to design and build an altar and cross for the fellowship center at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida (1999)
  • Designed the communion set used in the Contemporary Worship Service for First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida (1999)
  • 4 Young Sculptors, an exhibit in Hot Springs, Arkansas (1995) Senior Show at Appalachian State University's Catherine Smith Gallery in Boone, North Carolina (1993)
  • Designed the stain glass window cross for Stokesdale United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, North Carolina (1987)

 

Continuing Education

Mentor Series Ultimate Photo Adventure: Montana/Yellowstone National Park (2012)

  • 4 Day photo trek/workshop in Montana and Yellowstone National Park
  • Mentors were Dave Black, Bob Smith and David Tejada
  • Topics covered included: wildlife photography, landscape photography, portraits using speedlights and light painting

 

creativeLIVE Online Courses (2010 - Present)

  • Studio Photography with Zack Arias
  • Wedding Photography with Jasmine Star
  • Children's Portrait Photography with Tamara Lackey
  • Experimental Portraiture with Jeremy Cowart
  • Posing and Lighting with Bambi Cantrell
  • Foundations of a Working Photographer with Zack Arias
  • Nikon D7000 - DSLR Fast Start
  • Street Photography with Lighten Up and Shoot
  • Anatomy of a Photoshoot with Mark Wallace
  • Exploring the Light with Rick Sammon
  • Beauty and Fashion Photography with Matthew Jordan Smith
  • Setting Up a Home Studio with John Cornicello
  • Wedding Photography Weekend with Zach and Jody Gray
  • The Boudoir Workshop with Christa Meola
  • Photoshop CS5 Intensive with Lesa Snider
  • Glamour Photography with Sue Bryce
  • Posing Masterclass with Bambi Cantrell
  • Lightroom 4 Fundamentals with Laura Shoe
  • Lighting Essentials Workshop with Don Giannatti
  • Fundamentals of Digital Photography 2012 with John Greengo
  • Post Wedding Workflow with Zack and Jody
  • Getting Published. Shooting an Editorial Weddingwith Jasmine Star
  • Speedlights 101 with Mark Wallace
  • Fashion Flair for Portraits and Wedding Photographers
  • Using Wacom Tablets
  • Nikon D800 - DSLR Fast Start
  • The Ultimate Lightroom Workflow with Jared Platt
  • Tabletop Product Photography with Don Giannatti
  • Photo + Video Fusion with Vanessa Joy and Rob Adams
  • Pets and People Photography with Vicki Taufer
  • Skin. The Complete Course with Lee Varis
  • Photoshop for Photographers with Ben Willmore
  • Light Painting with Ben Willmore
  • Modeling 101 wityh Yanna House
  • Working with Models with Matthew Jordan Smith
  • Workflow + Album Design with Khara Plicanic
  • Photoshop Deep Dive: Selections with Lesa Snider
  • Photoshop Deep Dive: Adjustment Layers with Lesa Snider
  • Lightweight Location Lighting with Kevin Kubota
  • Photoshop Deep Dive: Bridge with Lesa Snider
  • Photoshop Deep Dive: Blend Modes with Lesa Snider
  • Wedding Cinematography with Rob Adams and Vanessa Joy
  • Efficient Lighting & Post-Production with Jared Platt
  • Color Management with Eddi Trapp
  • YouTube Marketing
  • HDSLR Cinema with Vincent Laforet
  • HDSLR: Moving From Still to Video with Vincent Laforet
  • The Art of Filmmaking and Editing with Jeff Medford and Ross Hockrow
  • Lightroom Video Enhancing Secrets and Photoshop Integration with Jack Davis

 

Traviss Technical Center in Lakeland, Florida (1999 - 2000, 2003)

  • Electricity I
  • Electricity II (National Electric Code)
  • Industrial Motor Control
  • Architectural Drafting with AutoCAD
  • Network Support Services

 

Chicora Foundation Conservation Workshops (1996 - 1999)

  • Housekeeping for Museums
  • Conservation of Works on Paper and Works on Canvas
  • Integrated Pest Management for Museums
  • Disaster Preparedness for Museums

 

Larson Juhl in Atlanta, Georgia (1998)

  • Professional Picture Framing Course

 

Asheville Buncombe Technical College in Asheville, NC (1989)

  • Cabinetmaking (20 hours per week for 1 semester)

 

Interests and Endeavors

  • Night photography and panoramas of cityscapes
  • Avid viewer of technology netcast
  • Designing sculptures virtually with CAD (computer aided design)
  • Former licensed journeyman electrician
  • Proud owner of a Shih-Tzu named Paisley