About the Cover Artist: Butterfly Portrait by Samantha Bennett

Our featured artist of the month is Samantha Bennett, whose journey as an artist began in a hospital room when she was just a child. At 9 months old, she survived a bout of bacterial meningitis, which left her with significant physical challenges. The disease scarred her skin and resulted in the amputation of several of her fingers, toes, and half of her right foot. Despite these obstacles, Samantha persevered, undergoing numerous reconstructive surgeries throughout her youth.

As Samantha continued to navigate her physical recovery, she also pursued her passion for art. She studied Fine Arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design, honing her skills and developing her unique artistic style. Today, Samantha is a successful working artist, known by the moniker “Painter Sam.”

Samantha’s art has garnered national and international attention, with her story and work being featured on various media platforms, including TLC’s “Angels Among Us,” “NY Ink,” and interviews on NBC, ABC, and Fox. In 2011, she was awarded the “Mom of the Year” title for her series of “Butterfly Portraits,” which she dedicated to families who have lost a child. This series was created after the tragic loss of Samantha’s own newborn son. In addition, Samantha is an awarded international advocate for vaccine awareness and meningococcal vaccination and a spokesperson for the National Meningitis Association. She has testified before the CDC and Congress. One of her proudest accomplishments was working with legislators to help pass a law to protect Ohio’s children from meningococcal disease.

Samantha’s collection of art encompasses a diverse range of subjects, including portraits, dog art, cityscape oil paintings, and other pieces that reflect her triumph over physical challenges and personal tragedies. Her art serves as a testament to her resilience and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

For those interested in Samantha’s art or media inquiries, her work can be viewed and purchased on the following website: https://www.paintersam.com.