As part of a sports-filled summer highlighted by athletes and fans of international soccer and the JCC Maccabi Games, The Epsten Gallery at Village Shalom invites the community to continue celebrating the spirit of competition through its current exhibit, “Champions of Form: The Art of Athletics.”
Through this exhibit, Village Shalom’s “Summer of Champions” continues by recognizing a different kind of champion: philanthropist, collector and community leader Michael Staenberg, who has shared sports-themed works from his personal collection, focusing on expression through creativity, movement, determination and the human spirit.
What makes this exhibition especially meaningful is that every piece on display from the Michael Staenberg Collection is available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Village Shalom. It is an opportunity to acquire art while directly supporting Village Shalom’s mission of providing outstanding care, services and programs for older adults.
Staenberg has spent his career building businesses, supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to the Jewish community. Along the way, he developed a passion for collecting art — not to keep it behind closed doors, but to share it with others. He believes art belongs in places where people gather, heal, learn and connect.
"My hope is [that] the art I choose to share brings joy or peace or, at the very least, just makes people think," Staenberg said.
The exhibit began earlier this summer and has been enjoyed by residents and visitors, including over 100 Maccabi athletes who came to Village Shalom for their volunteer project. Later this month, The Epsten Gallery will host a private reception with Staenberg, hosted by Robert Epsten. Guests will hear about the stories behind the collection and about Staenberg’s belief that art should be accessible to everyone.
In addition to the exhibition at The Epsten Gallery, selected works from the Michael Staenberg Collection are also on display at The J and around Metcalf 103, the shopping center managed by The Staenberg Group.
The Epsten Gallery is located inside Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd Street in Overland Park, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to experience the exhibition before it closes on Aug. 30 and consider taking home a piece of the collection while helping support Village Shalom’s mission.