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The Arts Council of Johnson County /  smART Blog
May 17, 2022 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development, Engaging Community

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study in Johnson County

CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ARTS The arts bring us inspiration and joy, and make our community a beautiful place to live and work. But the arts do so much more. We are excited to partner with Americans for the Arts to announce the launch of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. While the arts have the potential to impact many aspects of our community, the truth is they also have a power all on their own. The arts are an open invitation to engage in our history,

December 19, 2024 In Artists, Shooting Stars

2024 Johnson County State of the Arts

Art is essential. It strengthens Johnson County at every level—enriching individuals, families, and communities. Creativity serves as a foundation for innovation, prosperity, and vibrant people and places. The arts are ingrained in our civic infrastructure and community identity, intertwined with our economic development, and are an important component of individual and community health and well-being. In Johnson County, the arts are a powerful economic driver. Our local creative economy generates $38.5 million in economic activity every year. This revenue fuels local businesses, creates jobs, enhances the quality of life for our residents, and boosts cultural tourism. Every gallery opening, performance, or

August 19, 2024 In Artists, Shooting Stars

The arts can be a pathway to other fields

“As a Shooting Stars alumnus now working in the arts 27 years later, I can attest to the importance of the Arts Council of Johnson County. I have worked with the Arts Council of JoCo recently as a grant recipient for the Emporia State Social and Emotional Learning Certificate, and I can emphatically say they are actively listening to the arts community and responding to its needs. In addition to supporting a cause with a great mission, this organization values relevance and results in their dedication to meeting the needs of the community, from artists just beginning their journey

May 1, 2024 In Shooting Stars, Uncategorized

2024 Shooting Stars Recapped

Dear Arts Council, Hello! I was one of the 2D Visual Arts nominees for Shooting Stars this year, and I wanted to write you to thank you for the amazing opportunity and honor its been to be a nominee. Its so incredible to have my art in the Nerman Art Museum and its definitely something I’m excited to put on my resume. It was so amazing to get to see art of all kinds beings celebrated in such a big way and I loved being able to see the talent of all the other nominees as well. I was able to

April 29, 2024 In Arts Council

Thank YOU!

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” - Oscar Wilde The Arts Council’s dedicated volunteers continue to show up with acts of kindness big and small! With their support, we are able to continue to bring programs that strengthen the arts to Johnson County. We cannot thank or recognize them enough! If you're volunteered for an event, served on an advisory or planning committee, or been a long time volunteer, we could not do it without you. From the Arts Council, thank YOU!

April 10, 2024 In Arts Council, Arts Events, Arts in education, Shooting Stars, Uncategorized

ARTS COUNCIL OF JOHNSON COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2024 SHOOTING STARS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

18 High School Seniors Receive College Scholarships For Excellence in the Literary, Performing and Visual Arts 99 High School Seniors Nominated in Nine Categories OVERLAND PARK, Kans. – April 7, 2024– The Arts Council of Johnson County announced 18 scholarship recipients at the 2024 Shooting Stars Gala on Sunday, April 7 at Johnson County Community College. This 27th annual Shooting Stars Gala honored 99 Johnson County high school seniors for achievement in the literary, performing, and visual arts through recognition and college scholarships. This special recognition program was created in 1997 by former Arts Council of Johnson County chairman Bob Endres. Bob’s vision was to

April 1, 2024 In Uncategorized

Ten Reasons to Support the Arts in Johnson County in 2024

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even during a pandemic that has been devastating to the arts. The following 10 reasons show why an investment in artists, creative workers, and arts organizations is vital to the nation’s post-pandemic healing and recovery. 1.Arts unify communities. 72% of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity” and 73% agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better”—a perspective observed across all demographic and economic categories. 2.

March 6, 2024 In Uncategorized

2024 Shooting Stars Judges

Mona Cliff, 2024 Shooting Stars 2D Judge Mona Cliff (Aniiih) is a multidisciplinary indigenous visual artist, she explores the subject of contemporary Native American identity through her use of native cultural materials.  Her upcoming Exhibits 2024 she will have a large-scale beaded piece at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C for the Women to Watch exhibition and a large beaded at the Autry Museum in L.A. Mona is married and has 3 children ages 13, 14, & 16 years old. She currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas. Hector Casanova, 2024 Shooting Stars 2D Judge A native of Mexico City, Héctor Casanova

January 3, 2024 In Art, Shooting Stars

2024 Shooting Stars Finalist

The Arts are important to every community’s quality of life and are an essential part of every student’s educational experience. Arts and creativity teach innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and self-expression. The Shooting Stars Program celebrates Johnson County high school seniors for their excellence in the arts. Shooting Stars has recognized more than 1,000 high school seniors since 1997. Join us for the 2024 Gala on April 7, 2024. During the event we'll announce nine first place scholarships ($1400), nine second place scholarships ($700), and nine teacher honorariums ($300)! Thank you to the foundations, businesses and individuals who make Shooting Stars possible. Get

December 22, 2023 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development, Arts & Humanities, Arts Events, Creative Placemaking, Engaging Community, Music, Performing arts, Photography, Public Art, Visual Arts

Inaugural Arts Advocacy Awards, 2023

Left to Right: Awardees Mayor Mike Boehm and Nicole Emmanuel (Awardee Mayor Peggy Dunn not featured) At the 2023 Creative Connections Breakfast, the Arts Council of Johnson County introduced a new award, the Arts Advocacy Award. This award was given to individuals who have dedicated significant time, effort, and leadership that has, in turn, positively impacted the creative economy and the arts in Johnson County. This could include, but is not limited to: a nominee's impact on arts education, volunteer work in the arts, nominee's work to increase access to the arts for underserved individuals and/or communities, nominee's leadership

April 1, 2023 In Art, Arts in education, Shooting Stars

2023 Shooting Stars Scholarship Recipients

Two-Dimensional Art- 1st Place Scholarship Recipient Jade Achen Shawnee Mission East High School Nominated by Adam Finkelston Two-Dimensional Art- 2nd Place Scholarship Recipient Patty Morales Blue Valley North High School Nominated by Tom Holland Three-Dimensional Art- 1st Place Scholarship Recipient Mira Becker Blue Valley West High School Nominated by Nicholas Tomasic Three-Dimensional Art- 2nd Place Scholarship Recipient Audrey Roberts Blue Valley Northwest High School Nominated by Carly Kimbrough Literature- 1st Place Scholarship Recipient Tess Vanberg Blue Valley High School Nominated by Maureen Davis Literature- 2nd Place Scholarship Recipient Sydney Bonnstetter De Soto High School Nominated by Ryan Meara Photography- 1st Place Scholarship Recipient Julia Schnittker Shawnee Mission South High School Nominated by Mark Rice Photography- 2nd Place Scholarship Recipient Sophia Volovoy Blue Valley Northwest High School Nominated by Brian Pollack Production &