In celebration of Glasgow's 1999 title UK City of Architecture and Design, Glasgow Print Studio invited twelve artists to contribute to a portfolio of prints titled Habitat. The definition given was 'the normal abode of an animal or plant; the physical environment of any community; the place where a person or thing can usually be found.' Ainsley's long-standing alliance with the colour red gains powerful momentum in association with such a definition. (Her solo exhibition at Third Eye Centre, Glasgow in 1987 was called Why I Choose Red.) She is already represented in the New Hall Collection by Academic Puzzles and Pale Answers (1992).

Sam Ainsley is currently Head of the Master of Fine Art Course at Glasgow School of Art.