Looking Back & The Year Ahead | | |
Before we jump into the updates, I want to express my gratitude for the way public art is delivered through JCPRD - rooted in our parks, informed by our Natural Resources teams, and strengthened by partnerships across the community. Over the past year, this approach has taken shape in meaningful ways:
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We kicked off "Picnic" at Big Bull Creek Park, a monumental permanent sculpture celebrating prairie birds while elevating the important prairie restoration work taking place across the park. This project is underway and slated for installation this spring!
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The 2026 Art and Natural Resources Residency focused on trees and concluded with "Between Earth and Sky" by Elaina Wendt Michalski, a sculptural work temporarily installed at Antioch Park last fall. This project highlighted the essential role trees play in the health of our watershed.
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The annual WPA-style Park Poster series added four new designs to the collection, featuring Verhaeghe, Kill Creek, Meadowbrook, and Stoll Parks. This program helps raise awareness of our parks and proceeds from poster sales directly support the Public Art Program.
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Finally, we partnered with the JCDS Emerging Artist Program to create garden spheres that were displayed in the rose garden at Antioch Park, expanding opportunities for emerging artists while enhancing a beloved public space.
Public art in our parks is built to be experienced, enjoyed, and shared. We’re excited to invite you into what’s happening now and what’s coming next across Johnson County.
Angi Cain Hejduk
Public Art Specialist
P.S. Whether you’re an artist, a park lover, a partner, or a supporter, thank you for being part of this work. Sharing these opportunities helps ensure they reach the people they’re meant for.
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Artist Designed Bee Habitats
The open call for our Artist-Designed Bee Habitats is now live. We will award four artists a $2,500 project stipend to design and fabricate original, artist-inspired bee habitats for our parks.
If your work is inspired by ecology, pollinators, and the intersection of art and nature, this is your chance.
We will be hosting a virtual information session on Monday, February 9th. Learn more and apply here: Bee Habitat Call for Artists | Johnson County Park & Rec, KS
PS: We are actively seeking Sponsors for this project - learn more here.
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Art & Natural Resources Residency
Are you an artist who…
• Is curious about seeds, restoration, and ecology
• Enjoys learning through fieldwork and collaboration
• Wants to create art in parks that invites public connection
If so, we invite you to apply for a paid Art & Natural Resources Residency focused on seeds and ecological renewal.
We will be hosting a virtual information session on Monday, February 3rd.
Full details, timeline, and application info:
Seeds of Change Residency | Johnson County Park & Rec, KS
| | Progress images for "Picnic" Sculpture | | |
Exciting progress continues on Picnic, a major new permanent public artwork coming to Big Bull Creek Park. Recent construction milestones offer a behind-the-scenes look at the scale and craftsmanship of this sculptural installation.
Picnic will anchor Big Bull Creek Park as a gateway to public art in Johnson County and will officially debut this spring. We look forward to celebrating this new landmark with the community on May 9th, save the date and more details will be coming!
| | Our Completed Public Art Projects | | | | |
"Fire Keepers Circle" by Aaron Squadroni and Leah Yellowbird
Permanent installation completed September 2025
Location: Heritage Park, Olathe
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Art Nine Disc Golf Course
Featuring 10 artworks by four local artists: Amie Jacobsen, Jake Balcom, Scott Diven and Tim Mispagel
Permanent installation completed in May 2024
Location: Shawnee Mission Park near the inclusive playground
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"Gateway" by Amie Jacobsen
Permanent installation completed in October 2022
Location: Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village
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"Yield for Verhaeghe Park"
by The Arts Dept.
Permanent installation completed in June 2024
Location: Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park, Overland Park
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"Rebirth" by ITRAicons
Permanent installation completed in August 2022
Location: Okun Fieldhouse, Shawnee
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"Cattails" by Arlie Regier
Permanent installation installed in 1972 and restored to its original condition in 2023.
Location: Shawnee Mission Park near Shelter #4
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JCPRD Poster Project Collections
Featuring 12 JCPRD parks by 12 local KC area artists
Learn how you can purchase these Posters, Notecards, Postcards and stickers on our website.
| | Each year, we provide opportunities for artists to participate in projects that are on display in our parks for temporary spans of time through Residencies and special open calls. Learn more about these projects here: Temporary Projects | Johnson County Park & Rec | | About the Public Art Program | | |
In 2019, recognizing the growing role that art and culture plays in their mission, as well in as the way people experience parks, the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District (JCPRD) launched a Public Art Program to serve their many parks, trails, facilities, green spaces, and recreational spaces. The JCPRD Public Art Master Plan, adopted in 2021, established a vision, goals, and strategies to guide this new program.
JCPRD's Public Art Vision Statement
Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.
| | Supporting the Public Art Program | | |
Donate
The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of JCPRD’s Public Art Program through the procurement of grants and donations. The foundation continues to seek support for future projects through corporate and private funders. Those interested in becoming involved with public art initiatives should contact Development Director Kelly Blandford by email at kelly.blandford@jocogov.org or by phone at 913-826-3448. You may also make a donation at the link below and selecting "Public Art Program" for the designation.
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Get Involved
The JCPRD Public Art Program accepts applications year-round for the Public Art Committee and Art Selection Committees. New members for the Public Art Committee are considered in the 4th quarter of each year with terms beginning in January and requiring a 3-year commitment. Art Selection Committee members are appointed by the Public Art Committee and serve for the time length of a specific project, typically under one year in length, and review artist qualifications, evaluate design proposals and review budget expenditures for public art project. A new committee is established uniquely for each project.
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