Artist Marlin Miller Recognized for Golden Eagle Carving at Southern Miss Gulf Park

Artist Marlin Miller, who sculpted a pair of golden eagles in the Highway 90 median in front of The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus, was honored for his work Tuesday by Southern Miss Provost Bob Lyman and Southern Miss Gulf Coast Associate Provost Pat Joachim.
Miller's golden eagles have a wingspan of 17 feet and represent the Southern Miss mascot. Beginning at 4 or 5 a.m. each day, Miller worked 14-hour days to complete the golden eagle sculptures in three weekends,
"The eagles were the third phase of the Katrina Sculpture Project," said Miller. "For those who attended the university, these eagles give resolve and to everyone on the coast, a connection to Southern Miss."
More than 50 sculptures along Highway 90 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been completed by Miller for the Katrina Sculpture Project. They are constructed of trees that died as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Lyman and Joachim presented Miller with a plaque and gift of Southern Miss memorabilia. Southern Miss President Martha Saunders extended an invitation through Joachim to Miller and his family to join her in the president's suite during a Southern Miss football game in the fall.
Miller, who lives in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., began the Katrina Sculpture Project in 2007. The sculptures have been featured in magazines, newspapers and television shows around the country. Incorporating marine life into driftwood, Miller's works can be found on display around the world.