Kevin Sampson

Kevin Blythe Sampson, 62, is a sculptor, painter, muralist, and airbrush artist recognized for tackling difficult issues that concern him and his Newark, NJ, neighbors. Sampson was born in Elizabeth, NJ, on November 28, 1954. He considers himself to be a “we shall overcome baby” because he was the product of a household totally committed to civil rights and community concerns, and this continues to be a recurring theme in his work. Sampson’s father, Stephen Sampson (deceased), was a community leader in both Elizabeth, NJ, and in other parts of the state; he is Sampson’s most important role model.

Sampson became a police officer and composite sketch artist in the city of Scotch Plains, NJ, where he served for over nineteen years. He received numerous commendations for his work as both a police composite artist and detective, including the 200 Clubs Medal of Valor (for saving a life).

Sampson retired early after the death of both his wife and infant son in separate illnesses. Sampson and his two young children then moved to the (ironbound section) of Newark, NJ, where he has lived for over nineteen years.

Sampson has extensive teaching experience at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art where he taught for over 16 years, has run workshops at Rutgers Paul Robeson Gallery, and was the head art teacher for the ironbound community center in Newark, NJ. He is a mentor to many Newark youths and has assisted a whole crop of young artists in obtaining admission into various art schools in the metro area. Recently, Sampson has been collaborating with a group of young artists—his “Crew”—who have completed over five murals with the City of Newark’s City Mural Program.

Sampson attended Lincoln University, PA, for two years; Parson School of Design for two years; and is a graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. Sampson has been represented by Cavin-Morris Gallery in New York City since 1992. His work is in numerous collections, including several museums. Sampson received the Maria Walsh Sharp Foundation’s residency and the Joan Mitchell artist grant, as well as awards from various art councils throughout the state.

In 2014, Kevin was selected for a teaching residency at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center where he completed a 20-foot boat with community involvement and participated in the exhibition, KEVIN SAMPSON: IRONBOUND.

Sampson has been an artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Joan Mitchell Center in NOLA. He is concurrently involved in a major public art project for the City of Newark, where he will construct a 14-foot permanent sculpture for an art wall in a new location.