Sam English is a man of immense compassion and sensitivity for those in need. A distinguished contemporary Indian artist, Sam is truly an individual who cares for people, especially "his" Indian people.

Of the five Indian Nation Conferences sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, Sam has created the poster images of three. Each image that he has created and given has been very inspiring. Sam has donated his artistic talents to scores of Indian service organizations for their conferences on domestic violence, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and wellness. The list continues to grow. He also takes time to talk to groups concerning positive self-esteem and escaping the clutches of alcoholism.

The artistry of Sam English is bright, bold, and captivating. He is an Indian who paints Indians in his own colorful, different way. Sam uses the stars, the night sky, the wind, the bright sun and the ever-present Indian people - glowing in culture and community.

Sam believes that art is the foundation of language. He says, "You can use an art experience to launch a thought." He has used his images to inspire spirituality, family and community.

Sam English’s art is rich in imagery and technique, layered with his interpretation of American Indian people, their humor, history, and day-to-day life--incorporated with traditional and non-traditional aspects of their lives.  In his formative years, Sam began to define his relationship with Indian culture, tradition, language and spirituality, as well as, a personal love for ‘doing art.’  He did not venture full-time into the art world until the age of 39.  His work represents the contemporary American Indian in a spiritual sense.  It reflects his relationship and knowledge of Indian people, their hopes, dreams, pain, sorrows, and prayers for the future generations. He strongly believes the art created reflects the spirit and heart of the people, their struggles, triumphs, and gallantry.

Sam uses bold vivid colors to reflect beauty, the beauty of life on canvas.  English’s art is known nationally and internationally and includes an impressive list of exhibitions in art, film, documentaries and illustration for book and magazine covers of American Indian authors (icons) most noted in the 20th century.

Sam is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indians from North Dakota. He makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has his studio/gallery in Old Town Albuquerque. Sam is a happy family man satisfied with the success of his artwork and always willing to help those less fortunate. He is certainly a meaningful role model for young and old Indian people.   

Sam recently received a grant from the Roger and Lyn Derusha Family AAOD Fund of the M&M Area Community Foundation to support his Lecture Project where he will lecture and teach in Menominee County Schools about the healing power of art as a recovery tool from alcohol addiction.  The Foundation also successfully assisted Sam in obtaining grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Long Family Foundation to assist with the production and distribution of a book featuring an innovative approach to using Native art to benefit communities.