But remarkable, too, is the extent and versatility of Samkus’ creativity. Part artist, part interior decorator, she can create art anywhere and on almost anything.
Her work is on display and available for purchase at Artist Alley in Aberdeen.
Samkus spent much of her Illinois childhood holed up in her den, drawing, painting and sculpting while surrounded by her dog, cat and hamster pals.
“My parents were always trying to get me out of that room and outdoors to play,” she says, “but that was my favorite pastime — just being with my pets and making art.”
Art and animals stuck with her throughout her school days. She added horses to her pet menagerie and won a Hallmark Gold Key Award for a sculpted wire horse that was later exhibited in New York.
She spent one summer attending an art camp at a nearby college, one of two students chosen from her high school to participate. From there, it was on to Southern Seminary Junior College in Buena Vista, Va., where she majored in art.
As a young newlywed in Colorado Springs, Samkus sold her artwork at local shops and art shows.
Then there was a 15-year hiatus from art as a profession, while she pursued other interests — which included raising two children, tennis, retail work, and (of course) more pets.
In 2000, Samkus decided to reinvent her life. She moved to Southern Pines, an area she loves for its culture, climate and proximity to her parents, Al and Polly Dunham, who live in Pinehurst. She put her life’s loves, animals and art, to work for her.
In addition to pet portraits, Samkus paints home portraits, florals, nature scenes and animal prints. Acrylic is her paint of choice, but what she paints on is almost anything you can think of — canvas, cloth, ceramic tiles, ceiling tiles, sandpaper, old wooden planks, walls, bathtubs, ceiling fans — or whatever else the customer chooses. If she can do it, she will — and she probably can.
Samkus’ paintings and sculptures may be purchased and commissioned at Artist Alley on Main Street in Aberdeen.
Artist Alley is an artists’ cooperative featuring the work of local artists — including decorative painting, photography, fiber art, jewelry, handbags, stained glass, faux finishings, woodcrafts, pottery and more.
