An example of Ellen

Oppenheimer's

quilting talents

Family Affair

Multi-talented artistic clan
inundate gallery with creativity.

Suzanne Chessler
Special to the Jewish News

uth Lefkowitz doesn't paint, sculpt or manipu-
late textiles, but she has a great appreciation
for those who do — starting in her own
home. Lefkowitz, a docent at the Detroit Institute of
Arts, has encouraged her husband, Julian, and their
children to express themselves through many media.
Art, among the Lefkowitzes, is "A Family Affair," a
label turned into the title of a group exhibit on view
through Nov. 30 at the Janice Charach Epstein Gallery
at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield.
Five family members have combined some 50 pieces
for the show.
The gallery features ducks and fish carved by her
husband; abstract sculptures formed by their sons, Jay
and Steven; paintings com-
pleted by their daughter,
Carol; and quilts designed
by Carol's partner, Ellen
Oppenheimer. This is the
first time so many mem-
bers of one family have
joined together for an
exhibit in this space.
"Art has been part of my
life because my family has
been so creative, but when I
walked into the gallery and
saw the pieces together, it
was a more exciting and
profound experience': says
Ruth Lefkowitz, who tried
A sculpture
ceramics many years ago
by Jay .
but decided she was better

Lefkowitz

One of the paintings on exhibit

by Carol Lefkowitz

at admiring projects than tackling them.
"As a docent, I usually point out a specific direc-
tion for visitors to take with each exhibit, but this
time, because of such diversity, I suggest people look
on their own and notice the unusual nature of the
combination of artwork."
Ruth and Julian Lefkowitz met while students at
Wayne State University, where he studied art and she
studied library science. Their interest in the arts
extended into their travels, and they became collec-
tors.
"I think my wife became a docent as a defense
while living with artists': says Julian Lefkowitz, 87, of
Franklin, who has had this family exhibit as a long-
time goal. "The children and I take pride and satisfac-
tion from creating artwork on an equal footing, and
I'm so happy that we sold five pieces on the opening
night of the show:'
Although Julian Lefkowitz set an example by pursu-
ing artistic projects in his home basement, he earned
a living by joining his dad in L and L Concession Co.,
which put food operations into theaters.
"I learned to love the business, and I designed and
built all the furnishings': says the artistic patriarch,
whose interest in woodcarving began while he was in
college and got more serious about 20 years ago as his
business responsibilities diminished. "I took classes in
carving and later took classes in painting wood."
Julian Lefkowitz, a longtime member of
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, used to exhibit while he
was at Wayne and had a recent display at a gallery in
northern Michigan. In between, his pieces could wind
up as gifts given to family and friends on special occa-
sions.
Son Jay, who does various types of artwork from
sculpture to prints, became a more devoted artist. Dad
recalls how a very young Jay could put togeth-
er model cars and planes without looking at
the plans.
"It has been an honor and fun being part of
this exhibit," says Jay Lefkowitz, 53, of West
Bloomfield."' am showing a cross-section of
my sculpture, half new and half older work.
Visitors will see granite and steel among the
materials."

Art Is A Bond

Wooden ducks

carved by

Julian Lefkowitz

48

Although Steven Lefkowitz teaches English at
the Sorbonne in France, he continues his
sculpting and exhibits regularly at galleries
and in group shows. He traveled to West
Bloomfield for the recent opening that features
six of his small pieces made of wood and
metal.

"I remember watching my dad carving and smok-
ing a pipe, and I found that very calming': says Steven
Lefkowitz, whose studio is in farm territory outside
Paris. "I think of this family exhibit as a collective con-
firmation of our life choices. Although are lives are
very different, our art remains a bond."
Great contrast will be found in the images of Carol
Lefkowitz, now a Californian focusing on painting.
"I've been obsessed with the idea of water," says
Carol Lefkowitz, 49, who earned a bachelor's degree at
the Kansas -City Art Institute and a master's at
California College of Arts and Crafts."This present
work is a reflection on my time in Japan. The series
draws on water with the addition of images of falling
maple leaves.
"My evolution as an artist traversed textiles, sculp-
ture and then painting. The progression of my paint-
ing has gone from a more traditional format of
describing a physical place to the search for form
reflective of emotional interiors."
Oppenheimer, who feels very lucky to be part of the
Lefkowitz artistry, also grew up in a home where
artistry was expressed. Her mother has been a profes-
sional musician, and her two sisters also have
explored artistic talents.
"I began to work with textiles almost 30 years ago:'
says Oppenheimer, 53, who is represented at the
Renwick Gallery, American Craft Museum and the
Oakland Museum. "I made quilts that were variations
on patterns from Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish quilt
traditions and evolved into a very contemporary and
geometric expression.
"These textile creations are vibrant collections of
line, form, color and pattern. The complex designs are
created by silk-screening layers of geometric patterns
and linear motifs with both textile dyes and inks on
squares of fabric:'
Ruth Lefkowitz, observing familiar and unfamiliar
artists, has noticed how much each one has to learn
about technique and subject matter.
"When you study art': she says, "you study every-
thing:'

❑

A Family Affair will be on view through Nov. 30
at the Janice Charach Epstein Gallery at the
Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-
Thursdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. (248)
432-5448.

November 10 2005

,TbT

