Photo by Ethan Sorge (@ethaninstant)
Sam Kacala is an interdisciplinary artist and educator from Milwaukee, WI., who makes art with the intention of understanding the essence of collaboration through documentation, performance, and response. He tends to mold and present this concept through an educational approach, with a focus on music and improvisation. Drums being his first instrument, he sees rhythm and patterns as a conduit to emotional expression. Visual and digital art practices like drawing, painting, collage, video, and writing help support the sounds he hears, sees and produces. Through collaboration and facilitation, Sam aims to present a never-ending participatory puzzle with each piece.
Using social emotional learning and understanding, Sam integrates his art practice into his teaching to inspire and encourage critical wonder.
Contact: samuelkacala@gmail.com
Sam got his start playing drums before he can remember, but the pots and pans were probably just loud enough to annoy everyone, and just heavy enough to allow them to fall to the ground. Which sounded better? Only his parents may know. Encouraged to take lessons at the age of 8, he never looked back.
In 2017, Sam began teaching music in various Milwaukee schools. His approach to teaching takes contemporary music teaching frameworks, and applies them in a social emotional context over the course of a given program. He has since taught at around a dozen schools throughout Milwaukee, including: Milwaukee Academy of Science, Hi Mount, Thoreau, Westside Academy II, La Escuela Vieau and continues to teach through his business, Sound Education.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Sam became Artist in Residence at Arts @ Large in 2022, opening his show Memories from Somewhere, in July. Focusing on the cornerstone of technology and innovation, he was able to explore the connection between creativity and communication. Collaboration and connection was key, using anchor performances throughout the residency, as well as masterclasses in hopes to inspire a collaborative effort.
Video by Brandon Marchant
Photo by Mohamed Hasanin
With each performance throughout the residency, Sam challenged the audiences perception of sound awareness through technology, instruments, and collaborators. The opening performance featured Maaly Napoleon improvising verses over live beats, and the closing featured tap dancer Tori Isaac, alongside a full band, as well as a fully improvised performance with Jamie Breiwick, which surrounded the listener with sound.
Photos by Ethan Sorge (@ethaninstant)
Present Day
Sam continues his work in education as the leader of the Career Development Program at Arts @ Large, pairing Milwaukee Public Schools high schoolers with a professional artist mentor for a paid year of mentorship.
He also continues to practice art through his R.A.T.M.A.N. sound project, which performs live, records, and reflects on the impact of live music and collaboration.
Video by Kelly Michael Anderson
Contact: samuelkacala@gmail.com