Edgar Miller Legacy

What Edgar Miller Legacy does

Edgar Miller Legacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity founded in 2014 and headquartered at MANA Contemporary in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, dedicated to preserving the life, art, and creative spirit of Edgar Miller (1899-1993), the Chicago architect, artist, and designer active across more than 30 different media types in every decade of the 20th century. The organization serves art and architecture enthusiasts, academic researchers and scholars, contemporary artists, preservation advocates, and community members, with primary concentration in the Chicago metropolitan area and a claimed global digital audience. Its core mission activities include educational programming, virtual learning resources, publications, and preservation advocacy around Miller's architectural works, particularly the Glasner Studio in Chicago's Old Town.

The organization's core products and technology center on a small set of digital and physical offerings: the Glasner Studio Virtual Tour (an interactive 360-degree platform hosted on tourmkr.com with multimedia hotspots providing audio, visual, and written educational content), virtual exhibitions such as 'The Timeless Modern' (launched October 2021), online galleries, a Map of Major Works, and a lecture archive. Physical products include the third edition monograph 'Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home: Chicago's Forgotten Renaissance Man' (published 2024 with Richard H. Driehaus Foundation support) and the forthcoming graphic novel 'A Total Work of Art' (scheduled June 2026). Educational programming encompasses an Artist-in-Residency Program, public workshops (including a Poster and Printmaking Workshop launched February 2025), and lectures, while preservation activity is anchored by a landmarking advocacy campaign targeting the Kogen-Miller and Glasner Studios. There is no public-facing API, no mobile app, and no documented AI/ML components.

The business model is non-commercial: revenue derives from tax-deductible individual donations, sales of publications and limited edition prints (with 50% of print proceeds supporting the organization), registration fees for workshops, and project-restricted grants from foundations including the Terra Foundation for American Art, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. The organization operates primarily through community-led go-to-market: a direct-to-consumer website (edgarmiller.org), a Shopify e-commerce shop for merchandise, an email newsletter, organic social via downloadable Zoom backgrounds, and institutional partnerships with DePaul Art Museum, AIA Chicago, and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Operations are volunteer-led, with Zac Bleicher serving as a volunteer Executive Director and Jeff Kruse as Director of Operations.

Name

Edgar Miller Legacy

Legal name

Edgar Miller Legacy

Website

https://edgarmiller.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Edgar Miller Legacy is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that preserves and promotes architect-artist Edgar Miller's legacy through virtual tours, publications, workshops, and landmarking advocacy for art and architecture audiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural Heritage Preservation

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Heritage Institutions (Archives, Historic Houses, Monuments Foundations) (THAJADAI), Archives, Special Collections & Preservation Operations (Rare Materials, Conservation) (EDAEAGAJ), Historic Preservation & Conservation Planning (BPAHAKAH)

Keywords

• Art preservation nonprofit
• Cultural heritage education
• Virtual art exhibitions
• Artist residency programs
• Historic preservation advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting the nonprofit's mission to preserve Edgar Miller's legacy through education and programming.
2. Publication Sales: Sales of the monograph 'Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home' (third edition 2024) and the graphic novel 'A Total Work of Art'. All proceeds support the nonprofit.
3. Graphic Novel Sales: Sales of the graphic novel 'A Total Work of Art: The Story of Edgar Miller' by Hannah Dykstra and Jeff Kruse, published June 2026.
4. Limited Edition Prints: Sale of limited edition prints by contemporary artists (Hannah Dykstra, Sharon Bladholm, Alexander Vertikoff). Half of proceeds support the organization.
5. Workshop Fees: Registration fees for workshops such as the Poster and Printmaking Workshop, which includes materials and equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Edgar Miller Legacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization that preserves and promotes the artistic legacy of Chicago artist Edgar Miller (1899-1993). It sells access to educational programming through interactive virtual tours of the Glasner Studio, online exhibitions, publications (books and graphic novels), an artist-in-residency program, workshops, lectures, and an e-commerce shop offering limited edition prints. The organization also advocates for landmarking of the Kogen-Miller and Glasner Studios.

Product overview

Edgar Miller Legacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization offering educational programs, archival resources, virtual experiences, and publications dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Chicago artist Edgar Miller (1899-1993). The core product portfolio includes interactive virtual tours of the Glasner Studio, virtual exhibitions like 'The Timeless Modern,' and the online Edgar Miller Art & Design Galleries. Publications include the third edition monograph 'Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home' and the graphic novel 'A Total Work of Art.' Educational offerings feature an Artist-in-Residency Program, Public Programs & Workshops, and a Lecture Archive. Additional offerings include the Map of Major Works (interactive site locator), Zoom Backgrounds (downloadable virtual backgrounds), Community Art & Story Sharing platform, Edgar Miller Legacy Shop (merchandise and prints), Newsletter Subscription, Landmarking Advocacy initiatives, and a Donation Program. The organization operates primarily through its website edgarmiller.org, with virtual experiences and e-commerce capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Glasner Studio Virtual Tour Interactive 360-degree virtual tour of Edgar Miller's Glasner Studio with multimedia hotspots offering audio, visual content, essays, and lectures about the multi-level town home in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. Targeted at global art and architecture enthusiasts, researchers, and students who cannot visit the site in person.
• The Timeless Modern Virtual Exhibition Online exhibition exploring the evolution of Edgar Miller's graphic design work from the 1920s-1930s, showcasing printed illustrations, advertisements, magazine covers, maps, posters, wallpaper designs, and ephemera from the Edgar Miller Legacy archives alongside contemporary inspired artists. Intended for global art and design audiences.
• Map of Major Works Interactive map compiling locations of Edgar Miller's existing projects, destroyed works, and places of interest across Chicago, the United States, and beyond, with categories such as Private Residences, Influenced Architecture, Clubs & Social Spaces, Restaurants & Hotels, Religious Spaces, Public Art, Commercial Buildings, and Places Where Miller Lived & Worked. Designed for researchers, preservation advocates, and visitors planning site visits.
• Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home (Monograph, Third Edition) Seminal monograph on Edgar Miller's life, artwork, and architectural design, now in its third edition (2024) with expanded content, new research, an introduction by Lisa Stone, and an afterword by Zac Bleicher. Published by CityFiles Press. Sold globally via the Edgar Miller Legacy Shopify shop to scholars, enthusiasts, and gift buyers.
• A Total Work of Art Graphic Novel 160-page graphic novel exploring Edgar Miller's life from his Idaho Falls childhood through his Handmade Homes career to preservation efforts, written and designed by Hannah Dykstra with scripting by Jeff Kruse. Scheduled for publication June 2026 by Edgar Miller Legacy and sold via the Edgar Miller Legacy Shop.
• Artist-in-Residency Program Residency program inviting Chicago-based artists to draw inspiration from Edgar Miller's spaces at the Glasner Studio. Past residents have included musician/composer Ty Maxon and composer Elliot Bergman, with showcases published on the organization's website.
• Public Programs & Workshops Educational workshops, lectures, and cultural programs such as Chicago Architecture Biennial partnership workshops (2017), printmaking workshops, and panel discussions featuring expert panelists from art, design, architecture, and culture industries. Hosted at partner venues including Art on Sedgwick and offered to local attendees, with AIA Continuing Education System credits where applicable.
• Edgar Miller Art & Design Galleries Online galleries showcasing Edgar Miller's major sites and mastered crafts, including The Glasner Studio, The Carl Street Studios, Architectural Design, Woodcarving, Stained Glass, Sculpture, Painting, and Illustration & Graphic Design. Targeted at global audiences exploring Miller's full body of work.
• Lecture Archive Archived recordings and materials from past lectures and talks about Edgar Miller, including a five-part discussion series rediscovering Chicago's modern era Renaissance Man, covering topics such as Miller as Designer, Architect, Artist, His Times, and The Man.
• Community Art & Story Sharing Platform for community members to share stories about Edgar Miller experiences, original inspired visual art, photography, Miller-designed pieces from collections, and inspired music, dance, or performance art submissions. Available globally to supporters and enthusiasts.
• Edgar Miller Legacy Shop Online shop on Shopify for purchasing the Edgar Miller book, limited edition prints by contemporary artists (Hannah Dykstra, Sharon Bladholm, Alexander Vertikoff), and other merchandise. All proceeds support the nonprofit mission. Targets individual consumers globally.
• Edgar Miller Zoom Backgrounds Curated downloadable virtual backgrounds for Zoom video calls featuring Glasner Studio spaces and Kelvyn Park High School stained glass windows, optimized at 1920x1080 pixels. Free downloadable resource for community engagement.
• Landmarking Advocacy Initiative Advocacy initiative encouraging the City of Chicago to landmark the Kogen-Miller and Glasner Studios, including petition signing and letter templates to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Mobilizes preservation advocates and community members.
• Donation Program Tax-deductible donation program supporting Edgar Miller Legacy's mission to preserve Miller's life, art, and creative spirit through education, artist engagement, and creative discourse. 100% of donations are tax-deductible as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 community members signed petition supporting landmark designation of Kogen-Miller and Glasner Studios
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AIA ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partner for three distinct workshops and tours at the Kogen-Miller Studios as part of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial. All workshops qualified for AIA Continued Education System credits.
• Chicago Architecture BiennialcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partner programming with the Chicago Architecture Biennial, providing public program series featuring lectures, tours, and workshops at Kogen-Miller Studios.
• DePaul Art MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the book launch event of 'Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home' third edition on January 25th. The museum also hosted related programming.
• Iannelli Studios Heritage CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Edgar Miller discussion and exhibition panel focusing on Miller's work during his years at Iannelli Studios.
• Art on SedgwickcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for hosting workshops including the Poster and Printmaking Workshop. Located at 1408 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60610.
• MANA ContemporarycoreOthersProvides office space for Edgar Miller Legacy headquarters in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.
• Landmarks IllinoisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide historic preservation nonprofit whose appraiser was recommended for the building appraisal process related to potential buyout of the Kogen-Miller Studios property.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Chicago History Museum: Major Chicago cultural heritage institution interpreting the city's history through exhibitions, archives, and educational programs. It intersects with Edgar Miller Legacy's mission of preserving and educating the public about Chicago's architectural and cultural history, though at significantly greater scale.
• National Trust for Historic Preservation: Large U.S. nonprofit that advocates for and funds the preservation of historic places nationwide, including grants and landmark advocacy. Edgar Miller Legacy's landmarking work for the Glasner and Kogen-Miller Studios sits squarely within the National Trust's domain.
• Terra Foundation for American Art: Major private foundation funding American art scholarship, exhibitions, and educational resources globally. Terra Foundation directly funded Edgar Miller Legacy's Glasner Studio Virtual Tour, and both operate in overlapping US-art-heritage territory, though Terra Foundation is far larger and broader in scope.

Direct peers

• Iannelli Studios Heritage Center: Heritage center preserving the legacy of the Iannelli Studios and its circle of artists working in 20th-century Chicago. Edgar Miller Legacy already partners with the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center on discussion and exhibition programming, and the two share identical preservation-and-education missions.
• Louis Sullivan Foundation: 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to preserving the legacy of Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, including archives, lectures, publications, and landmarking advocacy — directly comparable in mission, Chicago focus, and program mix to Edgar Miller Legacy.
• Chicago Architecture Biennial: Recurring cultural event/conversation focused on Chicago's built environment and architectural preservation. Edgar Miller Legacy delivered workshops and tours at the Kogen-Miller Studios as part of the 2017 Biennial, aligning on mission, audience, and Chicago-centric programming.
• Landmarks Illinois: Statewide nonprofit that advocates for the preservation of historic sites across Illinois, including facilitating landmark designations and supporting local preservation groups. Edgar Miller Legacy has directly partnered with Landmarks Illinois on Kogen-Miller/Glasner Studio appraisal work.
• Frank Lloyd Wright Trust: Nonprofit organization that preserves, interprets, and offers public access to the homes and studios of an iconic Chicago-area architect (Frank Lloyd Wright), operating tours, exhibitions, and educational programs — structurally analogous to Edgar Miller Legacy's stewardship of Edgar Miller's architectural legacy.

Others

• Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Chicago-based foundation supporting historic preservation and the traditional building arts. Driehaus funded the third edition of Edgar Miller Legacy's signature monograph, making it a natural enabling/thematically adjacent comparator in the same funding ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Society of Architectural Historians: Scholarly organization that publishes research, hosts conferences, and supports education on architectural history — overlapping with Edgar Miller Legacy's audience of researchers, historians, and students studying Chicago's modern architectural heritage.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/edgarmillerart
• Facebookfacebook.com/edgarmillerlegacy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/edgar-miller-legacy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Edgar Miller Legacy