by Chrissy Biello
Michele Miller has spent over five decades documenting the world through her lens. Since beginning her photography career in the 1970s, she has captured scenes from across the globe, producing images that reflect both her technical skill and her keen eye for everyday beauty.
Her most recent exhibit, Canvasing the World, opened at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with more than 50 guests in attendance. The event, coordinated by Wynne Home staff members Angela Robinson, Andrea Howard, and Lauren Payne, welcomed community members for an evening of art and conversation.
Several local leaders joined the reception, including County Judge Colt Christian;
Laura Green, Director of Development for CASA of Walker County; Councilmembers Anissa Antwine and Karen Denman;
Derrick Birdsall, Director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum…
…and Victoria McClendon-Leggett, a former LEAP Ambassador, local attorney, and Student Legal Advisor in Sam Houston State University’s Student Legal and Mediation Services Department.
A highlight of the exhibit was a display of Postcards Magazine issues, a local family-owned publication founded in 2009 by Karen and Wes Altom. Their son, Marshall Altom, has since joined the business, and the publication continues to be a staple in the Huntsville community. Miller has made a lasting contribution to the magazine, with 12 of her photographs featured on its covers.
During her speech, Miller reflected on her time as a photographer, explaining how her photos often resemble paintings due to being printed on canvases. Though she once aspired to be a painter, she felt she could achieve the same artistic affect through other means, so she turned to photography as a way to express that vision.
She then shared some of the stories behind her most memorable works.
One such piece is her photograph of Kylemore Castle, located in the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland. Originally built as an estate, the castle has served as a home for an order of nuns for the past 100 years.
Miller also recounted capturing an image of a rare lotus flower from West Lake in Hangzhou, China, noting how difficult it is to find such a bloom and explaining the specific conditions required for lotus flowers to thrive. To further immerse the audience in her experience, she even brought lotus seeds to show the attendees.
Another captivating story came from her Canadian polar bear photographs. Miller described a rare opportunity to step out of a vehicle and photograph the bears. While others in her group carried large firearms for protection, she remained focused on capturing the polar bears as they played with one another in the snow.
Other notable images in the exhibit included the northern lights over Ireland, a hawk from the Galápagos Islands, the Oldest Wrought Iron Bridge in Birr Castle, Ireland, and a close-up of the Texas State Capitol Dome.
Miller’s photography encourages viewers to pause and observe the world with intention. Her images, taken from years of travel and observation, reveal the quiet beauty found in distant landscapes and everyday scenes.
Canvasing the World will remain on display at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center through June, giving the community the opportunity to visit the exhibit if one did not have a chance to attend the opening.
Carbonero Rotisserie
Since 2009, Carbonero Rotisserie has introduced Huntsville diners to the tastes of Salvadoran and Latin American cooking. Situated on 11th Street, the restaurant draws not only local residents but also travelers passing through, offering a flavorful experience that highlights authentic dishes from across Latin America.
The menu at Carbonero’s is extensive, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the richness of Latin cuisine. Among the most popular items are pupusas, ropa vieja, and crema de camarón. With so many options available, it may be difficult to choose, but diners are unlikely to leave disappointed.
One standout option is Combo Plate #4, which includes one quarter of rotisserie chicken, a pupusa, and sweet plantains. A variety of pupusa fillings is available, allowing diners to choose what best suits their taste. Options include pork (traditional), chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian selections such as jalapeños, mushrooms, loroco, cheese, and beans.
Another noteworthy offering is the chaufa rice. This dish features a fusion of flavors with scrambled eggs, cilantro, green onions, and soy sauce. Guests can choose between chicken, vegetarian, or a combination of chicken, beef, and shrimp. The dish is served with a house salad, making it a well-balanced meal.
For seafood lovers, the Mariscada is a highlight. This rich seafood stew includes shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, and tilapia in a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and spices. Its bold and satisfying flavors make it a favorite among returning customers.
Those seeking something familiar yet flavorful may gravitate toward the tacos al carbon. Offered with chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, the tacos are served on corn tortillas and topped with sautéed onions, fresh avocado slices, and pico de gallo. Beans and rice accompany the dish, rounding out a satisfying and hearty meal.
Carbonero Rotisserie stands out in Huntsville for its commitment to authentic Salvadoran and Latin American cuisine. With a menu full of rich, flavorful dishes and a welcoming setting, it offers a memorable dining experience that keeps people coming back. Whether you are exploring Latin cuisine for the first time or looking for a familiar favorite, Carbonero’s is worth a visit.
3 Spoons Yogurt
Next door to Carbonero Rotisserie is 3 Spoons Yogurt, a frozen yogurt shop known for satisfying the sweet cravings of Huntsville residents. It is a popular stop for a dessert or snack, whether after dinner, lunch, or in the middle of the day.
With a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the customer favorites are cake batter; cake batter mixed with New York cheesecake; and strawberry and banana…
Whether you are finishing a meal at Carbonero Rotisserie or simply looking for a refreshing treat, 3 Spoons Yogurt offers a satisfying way to enjoy what Huntsville has to offer. With its multitude of flavors and casual (colorful) setting, it is a sweet stop worth making in Huntsville.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 