Bill and Babs Lowenstein were the honorary chairs of the JFS benefit art exhibit CONNECTION, at the Buttonwood Art Space located in Midtown Kansas City. The virtual art exhibit ran from July 3, 2020 through September 24, 2020.

JFS honored Babs and Bill Lowenstein at the CONNECTION Virtual Kick-Off event on Thursday, July 16, 2020 with a feature video and the official opening of the art show.

The juried art show included 163 pieces created by 93 local and regional artists expressing connection through paintings, photographs, 3D pieces, fiber works, ceramics, and more. All pieces were for sale with revenue split 50/50 split between the artist and JFS. Several online events took place as part of the CONNECTION exhibit.

The Lowenstein Brothers Foundation became one of the original funders of the Career, Skills, and Connections program at JFS. Their father ingrained the value of philanthropy and truly believed in Tikkun Olam– repair of the world.

Babs Lowenstein brought a love of the visual arts to the couples’ partnership. She learned at an early age from her mother, who was an artist. As an adult, Babs incorporated her love of art into teaching young children, first at the preschool at Congregation Beth Shalom and then at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

After 30 years of teaching, Babs retired and began her second career as an artist. She started taking art classes at the Jewish Community Center through the Heritage Center and loved it, having several pieces in The J’s senior art show and donating many works for charitable purposes. She loves painting, ceramics, and working in different light and colors. One of her donated pieces was an auction item for the exhibit.

Their daughter, Jenny Isenberg, is a current JFS Board member and part of the planning committee for the CONNECTION art exhibit.

Today, Jenny promotes art for philanthropic purposes through Eclectics Gallery, an art cooperative. Recently, Jenny and several artists associated with Eclectics made masks for healthcare professionals on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis. The passion for creating art has been through four generations, with both of Jenny’s daughters pursuing art passions as well.

Philanthropy and generational giving, like art, continue to be central to the family. Every Thanksgiving, family members contribute funds into a common pot and choose a project to support. The Jewish Community Foundation provides them with a list of projects seeking funding along with a letter about the impact of a financial gift. Together, family members decide what organization will receive the funds. While family members are living across the country, they join virtually to cast their votes.

“It’s giving back what you are grateful for and giving to someone else,” Babs said.

Buttonwood Art Space is a community-focused art space and gallery located within the Buttonwood building in midtown Kansas City.