Sam Doyle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Doyle
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Sam Doyle in St. Helena, South Carolina, surrounded by his paintings
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| Born |
Thomas Samuel Doyle
1906 |
| Died | 1985 (aged 78–79) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Painting, Out Door Art Gallery |
| Movement | Modern Art |
Thomas "Sam" Doyle (1906–1985) was an amazing African-American artist. He came from St. Helena Island, South Carolina. Sam Doyle made colorful paintings on metal and wood. These artworks told stories about the history and people of his home, the Gullah community.
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Sam Doyle's Early Life
Sam Doyle was born in 1906 near Frogmore. This town is on St. Helena Island. He went to elementary school at the Penn School. This school was special because it was for African-Americans who had been freed.
Teachers at the Penn School noticed Sam's artistic talent. They encouraged him to keep creating art. Sam left school after ninth grade. He worked many different jobs, like a store clerk and a laundry worker.
Sam Doyle passed away in 1985 in Beaufort, South Carolina.
How Sam Doyle Made Art
Sam Doyle kept making art in the 1940s. He first showed his paintings in his own yard. He called his yard his "Outdoor World-Wide-International Gallery."
Sam was very creative with his materials. He used things like old metal roofing and plywood. He also used house paint for his art. This gave his artwork a unique and simple style. After he retired, he spent even more time on his art starting in 1968.
Gullah Culture and Famous Faces
The Gullah culture of St. Helena Island was a big inspiration for Sam Doyle. This culture is known for keeping many African traditions alive. Sam painted portraits of people from St. Helena. He showed their strengths and even their funny mistakes.
Sam Doyle also painted famous African-American figures. His collection included legends like Ray Charles, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jackie Robinson.
In 1982, Sam Doyle's art was part of a special show. It was called Black Folk Art in America. This show was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Where to See Sam Doyle's Art
You can find Sam Doyle's paintings and sculptures in many museums. These include the American Folk Art Museum and the High Museum of Art. His art is also at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Other places are the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Penn Center.
