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 to those navigating the professional arts world.” – Kris Devlin
Kristen Devlin was nominated for ACJC’s very first Shooting Stars program in 1997, when she was a senior at Blue Valley North High School. She was nominated for paintings, which she continues today.
As a Shooting Stars winner, she gained confidence as an artist and a person through this recognition of her abilities. She also received much-needed financial support provided by the generous supporters of Shooting Stars, which helped her continue her education.
After college, her professional life continued in the arts taking her to Hallmark Cards. But she really found her calling when she became a Paraprofessional working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This work inspired her to find a path that would allow her to continue her art while serving others. Kristen shared, “The arts can be a pathway to other fields.”
She found the perfect role as Program Coordinator for the Johnson County Developmental Supports’ Emerging Artists program, a position she has held for the past five years. The Emerging Artists program supports adult artists with IDD who are passionate about art and driven to create.
Another part of Kristen’s career journey was also influenced by the work of ACJC. In February of 2023, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners supported ACJC’s request of $2,073,520 from the Johnson County State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to support an array of programs for artists who were harmed financially by the pandemic.
One program created 30 competitive art therapy scholarships for Johnson County arts educators, teaching artists, and arts program leaders. Kristen benefitted from one of these scholarships and received a Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being Certificate from Emporia State University. She sought to deepen her understanding of those living with IDD to better support those in the Emerging Artists program.
Kristen’s passion for her work and her commitment to our community motivates her and is supported by the programs that ACJC provides.
And yet, a final way Kristen and other artists have been supported by an ACJC program. Kristen continues to paint and is now collaborating with another artist to make and sell plexiglass images. Recognizing there is a business side of art, she has enrolled in a financial literacy course put on by ACJC in partnership with InterUrban ArtHouse and Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts. She and 70 other artists in Johnson County are learning about budgeting, grant writing and many other financial skills.