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The Arts Council of Johnson County / Uncategorized
August 25, 2025 In Uncategorized

Meeting the Moment: Reflecting on the Impact of the 2024 Canvas Collective

Artwork created by Smitha George In a year focused on connection and community, the **Canvas Collective** emerged as a powerful reminder of how creativity can build bridges, foster healing, and strengthen community. Hosted by the Arts Council of Johnson County and funded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, this free, four-month workshop series invited local creatives to explore artmaking as a tool for personal growth and collective transformation. What we Created Together Led by artist Justin Border and art therapists Melanie Arroyo, and Kaley Wajcman, the workshops welcomed participants of all skill levels to engage with wet media, textiles, printmaking, and

February 27, 2025 In Uncategorized

2025 Shooting Stars Finalists

The Arts are a vibrant force that enrich every community and elevate the quality of life for all. They’re not just a subject; they’re the heartbeat of innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-expression—essential skills for students to thrive in today’s world. The Shooting Stars Program is here to celebrate the incredible talent of Johnson County’s high school seniors who are making their mark in the arts. Since 1997, Shooting Stars has honored over 1,000 students for their artistic achievements, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level! Join us for the 2025 Shooting Stars Gala on April 6, 2025,

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 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

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

December 8, 2020 In Advocacy, Mental Health, Uncategorized

The Intersection of Art & Mental Health: A Panel Discussion

Susan Rome, LSCSW Susan is the Deputy Director at Johnson County Mental Health Center, where she has worked for 27 years. Susan is an advocate for persons with mental illness and works to reduce stigma, while emphasizing community needs for behavioral health treatment. She has a special interest in self-care and reducing secondary trauma for those in the helping professions. She was founding member of the KS Law Enforcement CIT Council. She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Wichita State University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Erin Ross, LMLP I have been working with kids