Art makes the deeply personal feel universal.
Project Sam
Created in memory of Samuel Morrison Schlesinger, a curious, creative, funny, and sensitive soul who found expression through art. Inspired by Sam's spirit, we bring artists and communities together to explore what it means to be human. Through art, mental health awareness, and meaningful connection, we hope to inspire empathy, celebrate our differences, and help people feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Three Pillars
Art
Create & Explore
Art invites us to explore who we are, what we feel, and how we experience the world. Through creativity, we find ways to express ourselves, share our perspectives, and discover what connects us.
Education
Learn & Understand
Understanding ourselves helps us better understand one another. By exploring our emotions, experiences, and relationships with curiosity, we make room for empathy, honest conversations, and deeper connections.
Connection
Be Seen, Belong & Engage
Connection grows when we feel seen, heard, and accepted for who we are. Through kindness, shared experiences, and a willingness to embrace our differences, we create opportunities for people to feel less alone with a greater sense of belonging.
Where We'll Begin
Creating meaningful opportunities
Project Sam is beginning with a simple goal: to create meaningful opportunities for artistic expression, understanding, and human connection. Our first year will focus on three initiatives: an Annual Artist Grant supporting a San Antonio-area artist whose work explores mental health and the human experience; an Annual Exhibition, held each September to inspire reflection and conversation through art; and Samtember 11th Day of Kindness, honoring Sam's birthday by bringing people together through creativity, shared experiences, and simple acts of kindness.
Establishing a Founding Fund
The foundation to launch and grow
To bring these ideas to life, we are establishing a Founding Fund to support Project Sam's three core initiatives: an Annual Artist Grant supporting local artists, an Annual Exhibition held each September, and Samtember 11th Day of Kindness, honoring Sam's birthday through acts of kindness, creative activities, and community projects. While September 11th holds special meaning, we hope to carry that spirit of kindness throughout the year, collaborating with other nonprofits whenever possible to bring people together, encourage empathy, and build meaningful connections. Our Founding Fund will provide the foundation to launch these initiatives and help them grow.
Carrying Sam's Creative Spirit Forward
Starting small and intentionally
As Project Sam grows, we hope to support more artists, collaborations, and creative experiences. For now, we are starting small and intentionally, with a commitment to creating opportunities for artists, bringing people together, and carrying Sam's creative spirit into the community.
Be Part of Project Sam
We would love for you to be part of Project Sam. What began with Sam's love of art and curiosity about the world is growing into something we hope others will find meaningful, too. Whether you attend an exhibition, support an artist, share your creativity, offer your time, or make a gift, there is a place for you here. Every act of participation helps us carry Sam's spirit forward, bringing people together through art, kindness, and the simple reminder that none of us has to navigate life alone.
Support Our Founding Fund