LESTER GOLDMAN
LEGACY ARTIST
Lester Goldman, Vision for Glenn, 1995
The Essence of Joy
Celebrating the Art and Legacy of Lester Goldman
March 1 - May 30, 2025
Main Gallery
The Leedy Foundation is proud to announce The Essence of Joy: Celebrating the Art and Legacy of Lester Goldman, the first exhibition in the newly established Leedy Foundation Legacy Series. This inaugural exhibition honors the profound impact of Lester Goldman, whose four-decade career spanned from early realism to a unique blend of abstract expressionism, installation, and performance art. The show will run from March 1 to May 30, 2025, and is curated with special input from Goldman’s family, capturing the spirit of his joyful creativity and bold inventiveness.
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Lester Goldman’s work is celebrated for its vibrant, childlike energy, emotional depth, and playful yet profound exploration of artistic boundaries. This exhibition not only showcases his remarkable artistic evolution but also serves as a tribute to his nearly 40-year career teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute. On the 20th anniversary of Goldman’s passing, this exhibition provides a rare opportunity to revisit his most iconic works and reflects the lasting impact of his artistic and educational contributions.
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About Lester Goldman:
Lester Goldman was a vital force in Kansas City’s art world, renowned for his ability to push the boundaries of artistic expression. His work, ranging from realist paintings to abstract installations and performances, reflected his ever-evolving artistic vision. As a professor at the Kansas City Art Institute, Goldman’s passion for teaching and nurturing creativity left an indelible mark on countless students, further solidifying his place as one of the region’s most influential artists.
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About the Leedy Foundation Legacy Series:
The newly established Leedy Foundation Legacy Series highlights the achievements of artists whose work has shaped the cultural fabric of our community, ensuring that their contributions are honored and celebrated for years to come.
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The Essence of Joy marks the first of many Legacy Exhibitions that will explore the legacies of artists who have enriched Kansas City’s artistic community and beyond. This inaugural exhibition exemplifies the mission of the Leedy Foundation—to preserve, celebrate, and promote the legacies of visionary artists who continue to inspire new generations.
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Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, a cornerstone of Kansas City’s contemporary art scene, is committed to showcasing exceptional and diverse works of art.
Join us for a special panel discussion on artist Lester Goldman's work and career and the critical
role his family played in preserving his artistic legacy.
Goldman, known for his unique contributions to the art world, left an indelible mark on our community. His family’s efforts to preserve his work is fortunate and unusual. It is difficult for most families to maintain a lifetime’s worth of work for twenty years, and we are so grateful they
did.
Our discussion will explore the importance of sustaining an artist’s legacy, with a particular focus on the Goldmans’ efforts to protect and share Lester’s work. The panel will share stories about Lester as an artist, professor and family man, as well as delve into the responsibilities of artists
to safeguard their own work for future generations.
The panel will be moderated by Shari Hartbauer, Executive Director of the Leedy Foundation and feature insights from art professionals Marcus Cain, Warren Rosser, Jim Woodfill, and Lester’s family members Kathrin and Jake Goldman. Together, they will reflect on Lester Goldman’s remarkable career and the impact of his family’s efforts to preserve his artworks.