Open Calls for Artists

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!

Learn more about the Bee Habitat Project.

PS: We are actively seeking Sponsors for this project.

• RSVP here for Virtual Information Session 1: April 15,11 – 11:30 a.m. 
• RSVP here for Virtual Information Session 2: May 28, 5:30 - 6 p.m.

2026 Park Poster Designs

The open call for Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) Park Poster Project is now live!

Each year, we commission 4 artists to explore an assigned park and create a design in the WPA style.

Four artists will be selected, each receiving a $2500 commission.

Learn more here: Park Posters 2026 | Johnson County Park & Rec, KS

You are invited to a Picnic at "Picnic"

You’re Invited!

Join JCPRD for the ribbon cutting of “Picnic,” our newest public art sculpture!

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026

⏰ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Remarks at 11:15 a.m.)

📍 Big Bull Creek Park | 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton

• Bring your lunch and enjoy a community picnic! Drinks & a sweet treat provided.
• Meet the artists and join them for a hands-on art activity.
• Plus, a guided Bird Walk with Audubon of Kansas following the event.

Celebrate art, prairie, and community with us!

"Fire Keepers Circle" by Aaron Squadroni and Leah Yellowbird

Permanent installation completed September 2025

Location: Heritage Park, Olathe

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

"Gateway" by Amie Jacobsen

Permanent installation completed in October 2022

Location: Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village

"Yield for Verhaeghe Park" by The Arts Dept.

Permanent installation completed in June 2024

Location: Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park, Overland Park

"Rebirth" by ITRAicons

Permanent installation completed in August 2022

Location: Okun Fieldhouse, Shawnee

"Cattails" by Arlie Regier

Permanent installation installed in 1972 and restored to its original condition in 2023.

Location: Shawnee Mission Park near Shelter #4

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

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.

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.

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.