Sami Bentil is painting out his heart's deepest convictions, blending the history of his native Ghana with his passionate vision of world peace.

The seedlings of Sami's deeply rooted artistic philosophy were planted in his childhood.  As a young boy growing up during Ghana's struggle for and acquisition of independence, Sami watched this human drama unfold on the streets of his hometown, Ghana's capital city, Accra.  With a keen eye, a 
sensitive heart and a gifted hand, Sami cultivated a tremendous ability to draw vivid pictures of people.

Another childhood experience also had a profound impact on the talented and perceptive young boy.  There was a magnificent mural in the entryway of Accra's main community center, painted by the late Kofi Antubam, one of Ghana's great art masters.  The mural is based on the Biblical quotation, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is that brothers dwell together in unity."  This portrayal of harmony became Sami's most meaningful image and source of artistic inspiration.

Some years later, while attending the Achimota school, Sami had the great privilege of studying under Kofi Antubam, who taught him that art can be a tool for bringing the people of the world together in harmony.  Sami has held to this philosophy ever since.

As the son of a United Nations diplomat, Sami had the privilege of visiting the United States during two summers.  He spent a great deal of time in museums and art galleries in New York and other major metropolitan areas, to broaden his vision and knowledge of the arts. This experience provided an effective backdrop for his subsequent studies in graphic design at the University of Science and Technology in Ghana, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Sami's work has received great recognition and acclaim in Ghana, as well as in other parts of the world.  One of his earliest paintings, commissioned by the Ghanaian government to celebrate the country's Silver Jubilee, is on permanent display at the Museum of Ghana.  His work has been exhibited in the United States, England, Switzerland, and Germany and is widely collected in Europe, West Africa, and North America.