Steven Adrian Stewart, founder of the Lower East Side's Kansas Gallery, has died at age 46. Stewart died on May 26 in Lawrence, Kansas, near where he grew up; no cause of death was provided. He founded Kansas Gallery in 2011, representing a roster of emerging artists including Michael Berryhill, Mira Dancy, Ethan Greenbaum, and Sylvan Lionni, before closing the space in 2016. After moving to Melbourne, Australia, he cofounded Futures Gallery in 2021 and later worked at Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Stewart is survived by his wife, artist Jen Berean, and their two children.
Stewart's death marks the loss of a dedicated gallerist who championed emerging artists and helped launch careers in New York and Australia. Tributes from artists like Ethan Greenbaum and Sylvan Lionni underscore his role as a passionate advocate and connector in the art world, remembered for his warmth, belief in artists, and ability to build lasting relationships. His career trajectory—from working at notable New York galleries to founding his own spaces—reflects the vital, often unsung role independent gallerists play in shaping artistic communities.