Sherry Leedy began her career as gallery director 35 years ago with the idea of presenting contemporary artworks of exceptional quality and merit. In 1985, art was often categorized by material and divided into fine art or craft, but Leedy was convinced that it wasn’t the material but the maker that determined the worth of the artwork. She exhibited ceramic sculpture, painting, glass, printmaking, and photography together as equals in more than 100 exhibitions. This point of view, now more widely accepted, continues to guide the gallery’s philosophy. In addition, the gallery has a long history of supporting the art of women and Native Americans, both historically marginalized. The gallery has placed over 150 works of art in museum collections and gallery artists are represented in over 100 museums worldwide as well as numerous corporate and private collections.

Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art anchors the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, Missouri and has been instrumental in the success of the neighborhood. The establishment of First Fri- days, over 20 years ago, brought literally thousands of people, interested in art, face-to-face with a vibrant and active art scene. Today, as 2020 comes to a close, as the year that none of us will forget but many of us would love to, hopeful news is on the horizon.

Spring is just around the corner. Artists are still making art. People are still eager for the in-person art experience and that reaffirming human contact that is so vital to our spirit and well-being. As the gallery looks forward, we are optimistic about the future. After all, without creativity, where would we be?