Join Us! Art Nine Disc Golf Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, May 11, 9-10 a.m.
Near the Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground
Volunteer Engagement Opportunities
Rope Braiding for Mill Creek Streamway Installation
Thursday, May 16, 9 - 10 am

The 2024 Art and Natural Resources Residency’s artist-in-residence, Matthew Dehaemers, is focusing on the role of water in Johnson County and the importance of clean water and quality watersheds as part of our regional ecosystem’s resilience. You can find more information about Matthew and the Art and Natural Resources Residency here.

The JCPRD Public Art Program is hosting a volunteer workday at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center on Thursday, May 16 from 10 am - 12 pm where you’ll get to meet the artist, hear more about the artwork he’ll be creating along the Mill Creek Streamway this summer, and have a hands-on role in the fabrication process! Volunteers will be helping Matthew braid long sections of thin rope during this work session. Refreshments will be provided.
Now on Display - Only Thru Fall 2024!
Parade of Hearts: "Of the Prairie" by Allison Bowman
Location: Shawnee Mission Park
Thank you to Panasonic for sponsoring a "heart" for placement at Shawnee Mission Park! You can see this at the main entrance by the JCPRD Administration building near 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66219.
"Cloud Cover" by Chris Dahlquist
Location: Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park
Beautiful both during the day and while glowing at night, this artwork celebrates the intersection of the colored stage lights and the open skies intrinsic to the park. Viewers are also encouraged to play digital Cloud Cover Bingo during their park visit!
Projects in Process... Coming Soon!
Farm-Themed Mural
Coming Soon to Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park
Thanks for your community feedback on the proposal designs from our three finalists, which took place April 8 - 21. The selected proposal will be announced soon with installation and a community event taking place in summer 2024. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
This project is generously sponsored by the Verhaeghe Family.
2024 JCPRD Poster Project
Featuring Antioch Park, Ernie Miller Park, Mill Creek Streamway Park and Stilwell Community Park
Four local artists -- Sol Anzorena, Ruthie Osa, Julia Morris and Haley Chaffin -- have been selected to design posters of JCPRD parks using the iconic and majestic WPA style of the 1930s. The designs will be released in August 2024. This is the second year for the project; view the 2023 collection here.
This project is generously sponsored by AT&T.
Explore Public Art
"Gateway" by Amie Jacobsen
Permanent installation completed in October 2022
Location: Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village
"Rebirth" by ITRAicons
Permanent installation completed in August 2022
Location: Okun Fieldhouse, Shawnee
"My Mill Creek"
In addition to the permanent mural, ITRAicons led multiple workshops for community members to learn about the artistic process of making a mural. The traveling mural is currently on display inside Okun Fieldhouse, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee.
"Cattails" by Arlie Regier
Permanent installation installed in 1972 and restored to their original condition in 2023.
Location: Shawnee Mission Park near Shelter #4
About the JCPRD 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 establishes 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 JCPRD 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 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 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.