Preston Sampson: Common Threads

June 9 –July 23, 2011.

Preston Sampson describes Common Threads as “a body of work that is about the universal dialogue of relationships, strength, dignity and aspirations of people to live, love and learn.” Central to the exhibit is selections from the ongoing Working Man series, which gives homage to the “blue collar hard working man who is the underpinning of all of our effete cosmopolitan yearnings.”

Drawing inspiration from past work of vibrant acrylic paints and vigorous brush strokes that pulsate with rhythm and energy, Sampson explores new techniques of mixed media compositions with textiles and pulp paintings. “My time working alongside a quilter on a project prompted me to more aggressively dig into textiles and patterns. My love of portraiture ...evolved into merging textiles with them to create the Working Man series, which finds itself a continuation of thematic constant in my work.”

Sampson’s work can be seen nationally in public collections such as; The Washington Convention Center, Bank of America, DreamWorks SKG, The Washington Post, National Educational Association, National headquarters, Georgetown University, The David Driskell Center, and Prince Georges County Arts Council, Georgia Museum of Art. He is also in the private collection of John Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, Maya Angelou, and Darrell Walker.

An opening reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, June 11 from 6.30-9pm.

Jan, 24"x17"

Impervious, 24"x36"

Blue Willie, 24"x36"

Rocket Man, 24"x36"

Scholar, 24"x36"

Trip Hopping, 30"x30"

Mr. Postman, 24"x36"

American Classic, 30"x40"

I'll Be There to Help You Sing, 20"x31"

A Stitch in Time, 14"x30"

Little Thai Man, 24"x36"