American Chutzpah is a journey into the cartoon world of American Kosher pop art by NYC artist Steve Marcus with his new series of artworks inspired by Jewish contributions, moments, and folk tales in American history. Jewish Americans profoundly influenced the United States since 1654 through critical advancements in medicine, science, civil rights activism, art, entertainment, law, and national service. Marcus's hand-drawn works of art on paper are celebrations that comically illustrate some of these great Jewish American moments that shaped American culture, its democratic principles, and spirit.
Marcus artistically salutes Jewish Americans in honor of the 250th anniversary of The United States of America with a series that weaves a national tapestry of Jewish American contributions that are more colorful than fireworks, juicier than a good burger, cooler than a domestic beer, and has more snap than a grilled kosher hot dog at any respectable 4th of July BBQ.
American Chutzpah was commissioned for The Vilna and is on display from June 15, 2026 - July 15, 2027. See the art during gallery hours, tours, or at upcoming programming.
Steve Marcus
Steve Marcus has received honors and awards from the American Society of Illustrators, and has several works in the art and American history collections in esteemed institutions, notably the the Oakland Museum of California, The Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU, The Yiddish Book Center, The Harvard Library, Yivo Institute for Jewish Research and The Miami-Dade PLS. He is acknowledged as one of the Lower East Side’s most culturally influential residents in, Jews: The People’s History of the Lower East Side and his work is written about by professors from Ohio State University, Tulane University, Florida State University, Harvard University and in scholarly books published by Duke University Press, The University of Texas Press and the Florida International University. Steve is a member of the American Guild of Judaic Art.