Kent State Museum Showcases LeRoy Neiman's Fashion Illustration Roots

The Kent State University Museum is set to unveil an exhibition highlighting the early fashion illustration work of the renowned artist LeRoy Neiman. Titled "LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of Style," the show, opening October 31 with support from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, will feature 85 sketches and illustrations from the 1950s to the 1990s, showcasing how his initial career in fashion drawing influenced his vibrant, sports-inspired artwork. Neiman, known for his bold colors and energetic brushwork, began his artistic journey in St. Paul, Minnesota, creating posters and ink tattoos to earn extra income. His education at the St. Paul School of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he graduated in 1950, led him to teach figure drawing and fashion illustration. His career took a significant turn when he worked at Carson Pirie Scott, where he also met his future wife. In the 1950s, Neiman collaborated with Hugh Hefner on projects for Playboy magazine, including designing the iconic Femlin logo and contributing to the "Man at Leisure" column for over a decade. His versatility extended to painting murals, set designs, and capturing dynamic ...