Samantha Dunne
Hi, I'm Samantha Dunne. Founder and Creative Director at The Ugly Art Studio. I'm a creative mischief-maker, wellness enthusiast, and lifelong believer in the magic of making things just because. I started this little weird studio with one bold idea: art doesn’t have to be good to be good for you. Alongside my work here, I am an Adjust Art Instructor at UNO, and a practicing visual artist.
My background is a colorful patchwork of art, education, and sustainable architecture — all stitched together by a love of deeply meaningful creativity. I’ve spent years cultivating spaces where people can reconnect with their inner artist (you know, the one who got sidelined somewhere around 4th grade). I’ve worked with college students, kiddos, community members, corporate professionals, and curious souls of all ages, helping them to reignite their own creative magic.
In 2024, I stumbled upon a book called Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. This book changed how I thought about everything. Suddenly, my world imploded and my purpose on this planet became very clear -- I would become a service provider for the field of Arts in Health. In doing so, I would continue making and teaching art, but this time, with the clear intention of helping others live happier and healthier lives.
My personal mission? To nurture creativity that’s not bound by perfection.
The Ugly Art Studio is my mobile experiment in joy, play, and art-making without pressure. I’m not here to teach you how to draw like Michelangelo. I’m here to invite you to make your mark—crooked lines, weird colors, feelings and all—and see what unfolds. Discover the power of process. Because honestly? The process is the point.
Let’s make some gloriously freeing, radically human art. Together.