Local artist Paul Tosh was the recipient of the 2025 Stephen Schoenfeld Volunteer Recognition Award at Village Shalom.
Tosh started volunteering in The Epsten Gallery at Village Shalom when his mom, Lois Tosh, moved to Village Shalom in 2023. Since his mother’s passing in January, he has continued to share his time and talents with the community.
“I’m very appreciative of Village Shalom. Everyone was so good to my mother,” Tosh said.
The Stephen Schoenfeld Volunteer Recognition Award is named for a man who gave tirelessly of his time and resources.
“Stephen was always working to improve and enhance the lives of its residents, even installing a soda fountain in the living room for all to enjoy,” Marcia Schoenfeld, Stephen’s wife, said.
Village Shalom leadership said that Tosh was an obvious choice for the annual award. He put in more than 100 hours during the first six months of his time volunteering at Village Shalom. As a graphic designer and retired professor of art at UMKC, Tosh volunteers as the curator for The Epsten Gallery.
“In nearly a year’s time, Paul has already exhibited a similar commitment to Village Shalom by giving his time and using his professional skills for the benefit of all,” Schoenfeld said. “He has curated quality exhibits in The Epsten Gallery that provide for increased resident and community engagement and enjoyment.”
“Paul is a special volunteer by giving his time and his talent,” Village Shalom President Simon Abrahms said. “What he does here impacts hundreds of people. His volunteerism has far reaching impact for years to come.”
“What does [The Epsten Gallery] 2.0 look like? With the partnership we have with Paul, we are able to engage more with our residents and the outside community,” Directory of Philanthropy David Spizman said.
Tosh has helped curate many exhibits at the gallery, one of which featuring his mother and her artwork.
“Village Shalom was so gracious to allow my mom to have her only solo exhibition in her 96 years. I’m appreciative of the opportunity to be here. Village Shalom is very worthy of having this wonderful gallery,” Tosh said.
Another Village Shalom resident featured in the gallery was Sharon Lowenstein Poisner in late 2024. Tosh went to her house and chose a representative sample of her work.
“He climbed up a ladder to select the perfect pieces. He made everything possible and smooth. I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” Poisner said.
The most recent exhibit featured Village Shalom resident Barbara “Babs” Lowenstein’s collection of abstract oil paintings and ceramics. Tosh looked at over 110 pieces of her art in order to select the ones that best captured the essence of color, light and her lifelong passion for creativity.
Tosh also worked with Julie Roush, art therapist at Village Shalom, to showcase resident artwork in 2024.
“The work put into the Resident Art Therapy Art Show was amazing. Paul’s contribution to this made the residents feel so special. They and their families loved being able to have their art displayed in the gallery to share with everyone,” Roush said.
The Marion & Henry Block exhibit in early 2025 was important for the local Jewish community and business community. Tosh spent time at the H&R Block headquarters looking at artwork as well as family and business memorabilia at the foundation.
“The mission of Village Shalom is very dear to my heart. I hope what I’m doing can contribute to the mission and enrich the lives of many,” Tosh said.
Tosh has already planned the remainder of the 2025 season in The Epsten Gallery. For May, working with the curators for the collection, he has planned a Michael Klein Collection-curated show featuring Judaica pieces created by women. The final exhibit of the season will showcase works of art from former and current Hallmark employees.
“On behalf of the entire Schoenfeld family, we thank Paul for all he is doing to help make life shine at Village Shalom,” Schoenfeld said.
The Epsten Gallery at Village Shalom (5500 W. 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209) is free to the public and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.