About the Artist
Sam was born in Robeson County and lives in Winston-Salem, NC. He worked in tobacco and cotton fields, drove trucks, made, sold and repaired furniture, and as a handyman. Taking items from his workshop, Sam would then paint them in bright colors with happy scenes of people, animals, trees, all surrounded by a multitude of dots. Known primarily for his furniture, Sam will paint almost anything at hand–clothes, toys, tools, appliances, shoes, bicycles, and much more. At 89, Sam declared himself “retired” from painting.
More information:
Sam used to sell his work at folk festivals, particularly the Kentuck Festival, and at 701 Northwest Boulevard in Winston-Salem.
Where Else Can You Find His Work?
African American Museum (Dallas, TX)
Hickory Museum of Art
Saint James Place Folk Art Museum, Robersonville, NC
Publications and Press:
Exhibitions:
On Their Own: Selected Works by Self-Taught African American Artists, Smithsonian Institution Anacostica Community Museum, January 31-June 12, 2005
Video:
