Mary Ann Sampson (born 1941) is an American artist based in Ragland, Alabama, known for her expertise in book arts, with a focus on miniatures, broadsides, and unique, handcrafted books.

Education and early career

In college, Sampson majored in Spanish and art at Birmingham-Southern College and Samford University. Sampson received a Master of Fine Arts in Book Arts from the University of Alabama, where she practiced her craft and developed her signature style. She later founded OEOCO PRESS (One-Eye Opera Company), which specializes in producing limited-edition letterpress books, handmade volumes, and bookbinding projects.

Artistic contributions and style

Sampson has expressed an interest in the human form, saying, "I have a real interest in how the human figure wiggles about" and noting that her former career as a nurse gave her an appreciation of "human interaction and pain and troubles." She calls her cousin, Ruth Faison Shaw, her first artistic inspiration; Shaw is credited with originating finger-painting as an artistic medium. Sampson’s work often delves into the themes of motherhood and the power of storytelling. She uses a variety of materials including papers, pencils, water soluble paints and inks, leather, letterpress printing, and linen thread.

Exhibitions

Works

Audio