The vibrant and diverse artistic community of Kansas City takes center stage at the “We Are Enough” art exhibit at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. Curated by esteemed local artist Harold Smith, this exhibition celebrates the strength, resilience, and creativity of the city’s artists.
“We Are Enough” aims to present a comprehensive view of KC’s artistic landscape, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists from varied backgrounds and life experiences. From self-taught creators who have overcome significant challenges to college-educated artists who have garnered recognition for their innovative work, the exhibit explores the multifaceted question of what it means to be human through the lens of art.
“These are people who have found that within them was enough to overcome the challenges that life threw their way, and they still hung on to their artistic dreams,” says Smith.
One of the distinctive aspects of the exhibit is the inclusion of 56 local artists with remarkable stories, such as Crystal Major, a blind artist making her debut, and Juanita Maxine Harris Gibson, exhibiting for the first time at age 102. The exhibit also showcases a number of local Black artists like Wolfe Brack, Anita Easterwood, Kwanza Humphrey, J.T. Daniels, and Taylar Sanders.
“You’ll see a sampling of Kansas City’s artist community,” says Smith. “You’ll see all the different styles and subject matter offered by the artists here.”
The exhibit features a diverse range of artistic styles and subject matters, reflecting the richness of the area’s cultural landscape. From traditional paintings to contemporary mixed media installations, visitors can expect to encounter a dynamic array of artworks that provoke thought and inspire dialogue.
The “We Are Enough” exhibition not only celebrates the talent of local artists but also seeks to elevate the city’s status as an arts destination.
“People act like all the great art is in New York or Los Angeles, but we have our own art scene that, to me, is just as strong as any place else,” says Smith. “KC is not New York, so our art is different, but it is more than good enough.”
To get the most out of the exhibit, Smith — a former teacher himself — offers educational resources on the Leedy Voulkos, https://shorturl.at/cixzX. Smith gives lesson plans designed to enhance the experience for students visiting the exhibit, but they can be utilized by visitors before stopping by.
“The lesson plans make the experience more beneficial; it’s good to have some pre-knowledge,” says Smith. “That way, before you go in, you kinda know what you’re looking at and why the artists do certain things.”
“We Are Enough” will be on display at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center through April 26.
“We Are Enough”
Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
2012 Baltimore Ave.
KCMO
Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open until 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month.
First Friday reception March 2, beginning at 5 p.m.
