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CONNECTION Art Benefit Honors Lowensteins

Bill and Babs Lowenstein are the honorary chairs for the JFS benefit art exhibit CONNECTION, at the Buttonwood Art Space located in Midtown Kansas City. The virtual art exhibit opens July 3 and continues online through September 24.

JFS will honor Babs and Bill Lowenstein at the CONNECTION Virtual Kick-Off event on Thursday, July 16, at 4 p.m. with a feature video and the official opening of the art show.

The juried art show includes 163 pieces created by 93 local and regional artists expressing connection through paintings, photographs, 3D pieces, fiber works, ceramics, and more. All pieces are for sale with revenue split 50/50 split between the artist and JFS. There will also be several online events 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 will be 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.

Gifts to support JFS in honor of Bill and Babs Lowenstein can be made at

Honor the Lowensteins with a Gift to JFS

Buttonwood Art Space is a community-focused art space and gallery located within the Buttonwood building in midtown Kansas City. For more information about the art exhibition, please contact Melissa Kingston, JFS Special Events Coordinator, at mkingston@jfskc.org or call her at (913) 327-8254.

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Upcoming Events

Apr
15
Thu
5:00 pm JFS L,L&L Virtual Yom Ha’Atzmaut...
JFS L,L&L Virtual Yom Ha’Atzmaut...
Apr 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Register to receive Zoom link for this FREE program Meghann Hennen, a Jewish preschool teacher, based in Cleveland, Ohio, discovered challah’s incredible impact on her life firsthand when she decided to start her own challah[...]
Apr
18
Sun
10:00 am JFS at The J Community Food Drive @ The J KC
JFS at The J Community Food Drive @ The J KC
Apr 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
5801 W 115th St., Overland Park. Help stock our Food Pantry! The mos t-needed items this month are canned fruit and vegetables and multi-purpose cleaner sprays. Drop off will be in the front circle drive where[...]
Apr
19
Mon
3:00 pm JFS Virtual Happiness Habits
JFS Virtual Happiness Habits
Apr 19 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Start your week off with a habit to help foster happiness! As we face ever changing uncertainty in our daily lives, we know there are habits that foster happiness regardless of our circumstances. Join us[...]
Apr
21
Wed
11:30 am JFS Grief and Loss Support
JFS Grief and Loss Support
Apr 21 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Meets first and third WednesdayThe ongoing support group is for individuals grieving fromthe death of a loved one. The group provides an opportunityto address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritualcontext in a[...]
Apr
22
Thu
11:00 am JFS Nurses Virtual Support Group
JFS Nurses Virtual Support Group
Apr 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join a group of your peers along with a JFS licensed clinical professional and a registered nurse for: • Safe and confidential space • Peer support • Coping skills Space is limited. To join this[...]
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5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103 | Overland Park, KS 66211
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