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The Arts Council of Johnson County / Art
December 23, 2025 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development

The Arts Council of Johnson County Presents: The 2025 Arts Advocate Award Winners

As we ended the year with a celebration of the Johnson County Arts Community as a whole during our Creative Connections Breakfast, we also took the time to honor those individuals that lift our community. Introduced in 2023, The Arts Advocate Award is awarded to individuals who have dedicated significant time, effort, and leadership that has positively impacted the creative economy and community here in Johnson County. This year, we were able to bestow 4 awards on individuals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of those dedicated to Johnson County Art. Angi Cain Hejduk is a

November 3, 2025 In Art, Arts & economic development, Arts & Humanities, Arts Council

Recognizing National Arts & Humanities Month in Johnson County

On October 21, 2025, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized and proclaimed October as National Arts and Humanities Month.  National Arts & Humanities Month is a national initiative to create a national focus on the arts. This initiative shines a light on the effects of the arts and humanities, including but surely not limited to embodying the wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humanity, enriching lives, and improving our individual and collective well-being.  In Johnson County, the nonprofit arts industry generated $38.5 million in economic activity in 2022. This spending includes $23.1 million in event spending by the audiences of

July 29, 2025 In Art, Artists, Arts in education, Engaging Community, Veteran Art

Why the arts matter

Investing in the Arts Strengthens Communities Today, we’re facing a critical moment. Federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts is being cut and with growing challenges in the nonprofit sector, organizations like ours are feeling the pressure. We’ve weathered hard times before, because people like you show up. Now, more than ever, we need your help to support the arts and keep the creative spirit of Johnson County alive and thriving. At the Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC), we see firsthand how the arts bring people together, strengthen our communities, and change lives. In 2024 alone, our programs and

March 12, 2025 In Advocacy, Art, Artists, Arts Events, Visual Arts

The Transformative Impact of the Arts

Art is more than just an expression—it is a powerful force for connection, healing, and transformation. The STASH 3 project, led by the Arts Council of Johnson County in collaboration with artist Justin Border, is a perfect example of how creativity can bridge isolation, spark inspiration, and foster a sense of belonging. Creativity as a Catalyst At its core, STASH 3 was designed to challenge artists by providing them with a curated set of materials and inviting them to respond creatively. This seemingly simple act—working with found objects—became a means for artists to push their creative limits. Many participants described the

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 &

December 5, 2022 In Art, Shooting Stars

2023 Shooting Stars Finalists

The Arts make an important contribution to any community’s quality of life and are an essential part of every student’s educational experience, teaching 21st Century workplace skills, innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and self-expression. The Shooting Stars Program celebrates young artists and arts educators for their artistic achievements with college scholarships, awards and honorariums. Since 1997, the Shooting Stars Program has recognized over 1,000 high school seniors for their artistic excellence and contributions to their community. Nine first place scholarships of $1,400 each, nine second place scholarships of $700 each and nine teacher honorariums* of $300 each will be awarded (*to the nominating teacher of

October 25, 2022 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development, Arts & Humanities, Arts Events, Creative Placemaking, Engaging Community, Music, Performing arts, Photography, Public Art, Visual Arts

Community Arts Mapping in Johnson County

Community Arts Mapping can be used to tell the story of arts and culture in Johnson County.  It helps us: understand our arts ecosystem, transportation patterns, and paths or barriers to access. grow our awareness of the diverse artists and arts programs that exist in their community, leading to better lines of communication as well as more equitable funding, professional development, and small business assistance. And gives us a better and more complete picture of our creative economy and its economic impact on our region. The mission of the Community Arts Map project is to help our community understand who and where artists, arts,

June 29, 2022 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development, Uncategorized

AEP6 Study Information & Advisory Committee

Johnson County Arts & Economic Prosperity Study 6 The arts bring us inspiration and joy and make our community a beautiful place to live and work. Whether they’re located in a small or large town, nonprofit arts and culture organizations contribute to their communities’ quality of life, including their economic development. The nonprofit arts industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports millions of jobs every year. In short, the arts mean business This year in partnership with ArtsKC, the Arts Council of Johnson County will participate in Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity Study 6 or AEP6.  Our