Fresh Sam is a Denver-based designer who is focused on saving the world — or at least doing her best to act sustainably and help others do the same.
For her latest exhibit at Meow Wolf’s Galleri Gallery called “Broken Pieces to Masterpieces,” Fresh Sam repurposed unused or damaged goods into unique creations. This sustainable method not only perfectly suited its space (after all, Meow Wolf Convergence Station is home to the bi-annual Absoute Rubbish: A Trashion Show): repurposing materials that were otherwise going to end up in the landfill was also an intentional manifestion of Fresh Sam’s guiding mission.
READ: Kate Major Goes Behind the Scenes of Meow Wolf’s Trashion Show
The exhibit itself was a masterclass in patchwork and an immersive experience in every sense. Colorful patchwork colored the walls, made up of fabric squares in both bold primary colors and softer tones. But these juxtaposed tones weren’t the only unexpected combinations: the patchwork included a mixture of textures from rough denim and canvas to soft plush and velvet.
Unlike traditional museum exhibits where security keeps a careful eye on guests’ hands, Fresh Sam encouraged guests to interact with her art: in fact she designed it that way. Guests could feel the change in texture for themselves, and, as as a result, the softer fabrics were marked by unique doodles — a physical symbol of our connection, creating art between strangers in real-time.
Nearby, framed artworks continued the theme, showcasing similar patchwork designs within ornate gold frames. The frames elevated the repurposed materials to a fine art status, a sentiment that was echoed by a patchworked mannequin as a central piece in the collection, meticulously cover in pieced-together denim and red fabric squares.
Altogether, these details made the name of the collection powerfuly emblazoned on one wall in various shades of denim all the more poignant. Fresh Sam’s exhibit transforms what might be seen as fragmentation of color, texture and material into a powerful visual metaphor for connection and resilience.
By using repurposed materials and unexpected combinations, Fresh Sam was sending a message: while humans may feel disconnected and while the world may seem broken, our differences and “flaws” can make up something cohesive and beautiful. Real value doesn’t lie in uniformity but in the deliberate weaving together of difference, and coming together means tapping into our natural innovation with an open mind.
After all, Fresh Sam’s exhibition at Galleri Gallery is just the latest in her career-long commitment to spreading happiness. Through her work hosting workshops and as a personal stylist, Fresh Sam’s mission is empowering her clients, helping them find confidence that goes beyond style by investing in what helps them feel their most comfortable.
By helping her individual clients learn how to express themselves (and cleanse the pieces in their wardrobes that no longer serve them), she’s acting as more than a personal stylist: she’s coaching her clients on how to feel confident in their sense of selves beyond just wearing a really cool outfit.
Spreading her guiding message even further, Fresh Sam offers workshops on dressing from the inside out, where she shares how one’s style identity can create confidence within. Moreover, she holds courses on fundamental upcycling skills such as embroidery, clothing painting and understanding various textiles, preventing environmental damage (and solidifying the message that a long and storied past doesn’t prevent a gorgeous joyful future).
Overall, Fresh Sam’s display at Meow Wolf’s Galleri Gallery highlighted her unique ability to transform discarded items into something truly captivating. Equal parts engaging, immersive and innovative, “Broken Pieces To Masterpieces” was a powerful demonstration of how art can inspire new perspectives on materials, consumption and personal transformation.
Fresh Sam’s personal styling, design and public speaking services can be found on her website. More information about The Galleri Gallery can be found on Meow Wolf Convergence Station‘s site
All photography by Andy Thomas.