Doctor of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa

Sammis, a Rhode Island-based painter and sculptor whose work is commissioned around the world, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of fine arts. Concurrent with receiving this honor, URI is hosting an exhibition of her work titled “Expressions of Peace, Love & Joy an exhibition of works by Anne Mimi Sammis” at Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons April 20 to May 20.

In 2002, Sammis was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury to create a sculpture in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee. Sammis’ sculpture, He Has the Whole World in His Hands, is on permanent display in Lambeth Palace, London. Her One Thousand Years of Peace exhibition of 30 bronze sculptures was shown at the United Nations in 1999, and later at The Hague, Netherlands. At her coastal Rhode Island home, Sammis holds weekly gatherings, where attendees share their art, encourage each other, and discuss topics related to art, spirituality, creativity, and inner peace. Her work and her willingness to share her gifts and support others’ creativity have inspired thousands.