Artist Talk with Sam Barsky
Art Department at Parkway Central Library
Join us for an evening with world-renowned artistic knitter and folk artist, Sam Barsky as he talks about his work and shares a collection of his sweaters with us in person.
Famous for his bold, intricate patterns, Sam hand-knits detailed stitches of iconic landmarks, nature scenes, and slices of everyday life into a sweater, without the use of a pattern.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Sam Barsky's journey into the world of knitting began as a therapeutic escape. Diagnosed with a chronic illness, Sam turned to knitting in 1999 to find solace and purpose, after dropping out of nursing school due to health issues. What started as a simple hobby quickly evolved into a passion that helped him cope with life’s challenges and express his creativity.
Sam's contributions to folk art will be showcased at an upcoming exhibit at The Smithsonian Renwick Gallery in Washington, DC, running from August 2025 through July 2026.
https://www.sambarsky.com | Instagram: sambarskyknitter
Art Department
Room 208
215-686-5403
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)