Sam Kirk

Sam Kirk creates artwork to celebrate people and to inspire pride and recognition for underrepresented communities. Her work walks the viewer through various moments, focusing on a celebration of culture, discovery of identity, and the politics that we have been fighting for generations.

Kirk was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and spent most of her childhood jumping from neighborhood to neighborhood with her family. She enjoyed exploring new communities and cultures with each move, providing great satisfaction for her fascination with the colorful differences we all posses.

Working class communities continue to be her key ingredient of inspiration. Frequently exploring new destinations, her art is a continual study, sharing her experiences in the shifting landscapes of our neighborhoods. Part autobiographical, and part fairytale, her vibrant color palette reveals profound stories laced with optimism.

Kirk has exhibited throughout the US with galleries and museums, received commissions from private collectors and commercial clients including Major League Soccer, Comcast, Don Julio, Guinness, Red Bull, Tasty Trade, Toyota, Choose Chicago for SXSW, and the City of Chicago. Her fascination with community has led her to utilize the public space to create narratives that sparks dialogue and impacts the viewer’s perspective.

In addition to her fine art career, Kirk makes custom artwork for several non-profit organizations to spur engagement between the organizations and the communities they serve. She has successfully built relationships with institutions and companies to curate projects that provide recognition to underrepresented communities and opportunities to artists.