Sam Agres

Samuel Charles Agres, born in 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, was a prolific painter and accomplished double bass player whose life bridged two artistic worlds. As a classical musician, he performed with orchestras across the United States, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, among others, as well as the Orquesta de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.

Alongside his orchestral career, Sam had a deep and enduring love for jazz. He continued to play jazz throughout his life (on double bass, piano, and even guitar!), embracing improvisation and hosting jam sessions until the end of his life.

In his later years, Sam was based in Indianapolis and then Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his dedication to painting resulted in a remarkable body of work exceeding 3,000 pieces. Rooted largely in the landscapes and everyday life of the Midwest, his paintings reflect the same discipline, curiosity, and passion that defined his musical career.

Over the decades, Sam’s artwork has resonated deeply with local communities and has been featured in newspapers and exhibitions, including those hosted by the Wunderkammer Gallery.