African-American History Inspired Art
From the blues and jazz roots to modern rock, Pace's artwork spans decades of musical history
About Sam
Born to a mother and father from the Deep South, who followed the Great Black Migration west seeking better opportunities, Sam’s talents were given the chance to flourish. Encouraged by his parents to express his creative abilities, he continued developing his skills throughout high school where he earned a Fine Arts scholarship.
During high school and college, Sam expanded his energies to mastering the martial arts. He became a world ranked tournament champion who continues to share his talent through his leadership in the Black Karate Federation.
In 1989 Sam moved to Europe where he began developing his current style, using Jazz and Blues as the subject matter. His unique interpretation co-mingles the moods and sounds of contemporary and 1920's Black Renaissance Jazz and Blues artists into a visual narrative. His works vary in several different mediums from acrylic on canvas, wood, and collage, to discarded recyclable objects.
Among his credits, Sam has produced works for such notables and organizations as the president of an investment company, vice president of Blue Note Records, Los Angeles Urban League, and entertainers Nancy Wilson, Poncho Sanchez, Cassandra Wilson, and Eddie Palmarie.
Commissioned works include famed drummer Elvin Jones for the Playboy Jazz Festival, Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, and Watts Towers Jazz Festival.
During high school and college, Sam expanded his energies to mastering the martial arts. He became a world ranked tournament champion who continues to share his talent through his leadership in the Black Karate Federation.
In 1989 Sam moved to Europe where he began developing his current style, using Jazz and Blues as the subject matter. His unique interpretation co-mingles the moods and sounds of contemporary and 1920's Black Renaissance Jazz and Blues artists into a visual narrative. His works vary in several different mediums from acrylic on canvas, wood, and collage, to discarded recyclable objects.
Among his credits, Sam has produced works for such notables and organizations as the president of an investment company, vice president of Blue Note Records, Los Angeles Urban League, and entertainers Nancy Wilson, Poncho Sanchez, Cassandra Wilson, and Eddie Palmarie.
Commissioned works include famed drummer Elvin Jones for the Playboy Jazz Festival, Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, and Watts Towers Jazz Festival.
Selected Exhibitions and Appearances
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Creative House Studio / April 2018
"Seeing Jazz" solo exhibition Art Basel Miami / December 2017
More than 250 top galleries from around the globe presented top works from the masters and emerging artists. L.A. County Museum of Contemporary Art / 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
Designed jazz series t-shirts William Grant Stills / 2011, 2012, 2013, 2013
Group shows Vancouver Jazz Festival / 2001-2017
Featured artist. Designed cover artwork for jazz festival Metro Arts / 2016
"Through the Eyes of Artists" series of artist talks El Tranquilo Gallery / 2016
Group show Horton Gallery / 2013
Group show Watts Towers Gallery / 2013
Group show 5 Claude Lane Gallery / 2011
Group show |
Sam (left) discusses his art with U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman Maxine Waters (right) at Creative House Studio in Inglewood, CA.
Stolen Music II was on display at Creative House Studio for the "Seeing Jazz" exhibition.
Friends and collectors enjoyed Sam's exhibition in honor of International Jazz Day 2018.
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A Recent Collaboration
This piece is titled Blues for a Six-String Guitar in collaboration with Emily Velasco. You can find Emily on Instagram at @mle_makes.
Press Coverage
Hipster Sanctuary / August 2018
The Jazz Cat Brunch (KCRW 89.9FM) / August 2017
The Art Dialogues / January 2017
The Jazz Cat Brunch (KCRW 89.9FM) / August 2017
The Art Dialogues / January 2017