Sparrow Papercraft
Sam Wróbel is a folk artist specializing in the Polish papercutting tradition of wycinanki. Based in Lafayette, LA he creates both traditional works and motifs interpreting the vibrant south Louisiana culture, as well as pieces that reflect his experiences as a queer folk artist in the South.
Sam grew up near Chicago, where he learned wycinanki from local papercutter Doris Sikorsky starting at age 11. As an adult, he worked for many years as a full-time grocery store sign artist, creating hand-painted signage and murals. In more recent years, he has returned to papercutting, exploring both traditional and innovative styles.
Sam moved to SW Louisiana in 2017 and finds constant inspiration in the natural beauty and cultural vibrance of the area. He teaches art classes in local schools through the Acadiana Center for the Arts’ programs, and hosts various workshops around Acadiana. He is on the artist roster for Basin Arts' Bare Walls program, and is a member of the Lafayette-based art collectives Archives Exhibitions, and Loudhouse. He has been a member of the Guild of American Papercutters since 2018 and edits their monthly member publication.