Although Paul Dorrell, the author of Living the Artist’s Life, thinks of himself as a writer, he is most known for his omnipresence in the metro’s art scene.
After graduating from the University of Kansas and spending a decade wandering the world, he came back to Kansas City, got married and founded Leopold Gallery in Brookside in 1991. Dorrell is an art consultant as well as a gallery owner. His clients include Marvel Studios, the Chiefs, the City of Boston, KU Medical Center, the Dallas Arboretum, Miami Freedom Park and 10,000 private collectors nationwide.
In 2006, Dorrell established the Leopold Gallery Educational Foundation to provide inner city teenage artists opportunities. He has also designed art programs for corporations, hospitals and stadiums. “We try to be original, visionary and impassioned,” Dorrell says. “If we’ve failed in that, please don’t tell me.”
This year, the state of Kansas bestowed Dorrell with The Governor’s Arts Patron of the Year Award. According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, the honor is given to “a Kansas native who, based on scrutiny by the Kansas Arts Commission, has generously supported the arts through financial contributions, in-kind donations and dedicated volunteer efforts.”
Let’s get to know Paul Dorrell.
Why were you selected for this award? I’ve spent 34 years tirelessly promoting Kansas artists via my gallery, landing them both commissions and collectors all over the country. When I started out in 1991, very few people took Kansas artists seriously, especially in their own state. Now, Taylor Sheridan (creator of the television series Yellowstone) collects paintings by Phil Epp; Jacob Burmood’s monumental sculpture stands in front of the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Dallas; and Jim Brothers’ statue of Dwight Eisenhower is displayed in Washington, D.C.’s National Statuary Hall.
What gives you the most satisfaction in being a supporter of the arts in Kansas City? I’m extraordinarily proud that my staff and I have been able to make such a big impact not only on Kansas culture but also Kansas City culture. We are bringing revenue to our region—$42 million and counting—and spreading the mission of not just art but also innovation, passion and open-mindedness. Our success has helped raise $300,000 for my educational foundation. We’ve taken 1,500 teenage artists from the inner city on innovative field trips and seen 900 of them go on to college. I’d like to believe we’ve proven proficient at helping them break the cycle of poverty.
What does the future of the arts in KC look like to you? Very bright and full of growth, thanks to so many dedicated individuals like myself—gallery owners, educators, artists, political leaders and philanthropists. When I eventually sell the gallery and spend more time surfing in Tahiti, I’ll look back on our achievements and portfolio with a great deal of pride.
How might this award affect your future? This wonderful award will make our job of promoting Kansas artists easier—something for which I’m quite grateful. Couldn’t have done it without my wonderful staff, my loving family and my wife, Annie.
