Sculptures By Kevin Blythe Sampson

Now- December

The Work of Kevin Blythe Sampson. Thanks to the generous support of the Kohler Arts Center, nine sculptures by civil rights artist Kevin Blythe Sampson are now a permanent part of the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center collection. Seven are on display in the third-floor gallery in Peterborough, NH. Two are in the Mariposa space in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.

Kevin retired early after the death of both his wife and infant son in separate illnesses. He and his two children then moved to the (ironbound section) of Newark, NJ, where he has lived for over nineteen years.

Kevin has extensive teaching experience at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art where he taught for over 16 years, has run workshops at Rutgers Paul Robeson Gallery, and was the head art teacher for the Ironbound Community Center in Newark. He is a mentor to many Newark youths and has assisted a whole crop of young artists in obtaining admission into various art schools in the metro area.

Kevin attended Lincoln University, PA, for two years; Parson School of Design for two years; and is a graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. He has been represented by Cavin-Morris Gallery in New York City since 1992. His work is in numerous collections, including several museums. Sampson received the Maria Walsh Sharp Foundation’s residency and the Joan Mitchell artist grant, as well as awards from various art councils throughout the state.

Kevin has been an artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Joan Mitchell Center in NOLA. He is concurrently involved in a major public art project for the City of Newark, where he will construct a 14-foot permanent sculpture for an art wall in a new location.

Kevin is a sculptor, painter, muralist, and airbrush artist recognized for tackling difficult issues. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ, on November 28, 1954. He considers himself to be a “we shall overcome baby” because he was the product of a household committed to civil rights and community concerns, and this continues to be a recurring theme in his work. Kevin's father, Stephen Sampson (deceased), was a civil rights leader in both Elizabeth and other parts of the state; he is Kevin's most important role model.

Sampson became a police officer and composite sketch artist in the city of Scotch Plains, NJ, where he served for over nineteen years. He received numerous commendations for his work as both a police composite artist and detective, including the 200 Clubs Medal of Valor (for saving a life).

Sherlock Holmes

Now- December 31st

On exhibit Sherlock Holmes-related games and puzzles from collector David Beffa-Negrini. The Mariposa exhibit represents a portion of his games and puzzles collection.

Coming Soon!

Bedtime Stitches by Salley Mavor

April- July 2025

This exhibition of original bas-relief embroidered illustrations by the renowned textile artist Salley Mavor celebrates her most recent picture book, MY BED: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep around the World. 

This is an opportunity for the public to see up close the fine detail and 3-dimensional quality of my bas-relief sculptural embroideries. The exhibition is modeled after the successful national touring exhibition of the artwork for her book, Pocketful of Posies.

Autographed copies of MY BED are available by clicking the button below!