Gillis Samuel

Gillis Contemporary.
Art educator.

Why create Art?

Why create art to tell the story, have an outlet for one’s own inner being and have viewers make their own interpretation of the work.
What makes an artist?

What makes an artist is exploration, experimentation and one’s inner drive to create art in the vision of the artist.
Why have artistic freedom?

We can have an artistic voice, a way to express the view as seen by the artist and to not be censored.

The energy put into art is an explosion of color, texture and emotions.

Samuel J. Gillis, Chicago, has spent a lifetime serving his passion and appreciation for art. Gillis’s early exposure to cartooning developed into an obsession that led to a formal education in fine art. Sam has been fortunate to study in some of the finest art programs, including Columbia College Chicago and The Atelier Alternative. He was a proud recipient of a scholarship to attend The School of the Art Institute Chicago.

Gillis is a prolific artist featured in museums and exhibitions, including The Columbus Art Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and John G. Shedd Aquarium. Part of international collections in Spain, Italy, New York, Guatemala, Russia, and San Francisco, to name a few. He’s been featured in television, movies, and publications nationwide for his work, as well as mentorship of other artists and global initiatives at the center of his mission to help build a better world through art.

Gillis with his local and global community and is a frequent donor to organizations, including YMCA Michiana, Habitat for Humanity, Y-Me Breast Cancer Awareness, Chicago Food Pantry, Children’s Memorial Hospital, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gillis founded Gallery Swarm in Chicago, Illinois, and has since expanded it into a global online community serving artists of every kind. Sam lives and paints in Fennville, Michigan.