The Shooting Stars Program was created in 1997 to showcase the incredible artistic talent we have in our Johnson County schools. Since then, thousands of students have gone through our program and have become artists and changemakers, directly influencing the community and those around them.

Join us on April 12, 2026 at the Midwest Trust Center to honor the 2026 Shooting Stars Class with recognition, scholarships, and awards.

These incredible students also have an exhibition at the renowned Nerman Museum of Contemporary art, which will be unveiled on April 12, 2026 at the Shooting Stars Gala.

We want to say a huge thank you to the foundations, businesses, and the individuals whose support make the Shooting Stars program possible.

To purchase tickets to the Gala or donate in support of these students, please click the link here.

2D Art Finalists

Kinsey Savage, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Jenny Shriner, Shawnee Mission North HS 

Adah Reid, Olathe South HS 

Olivia Hamer, De Soto HS

Taylor VanHooser, Olathe Northwest HS 

Mymy Reitz, Olathe North HS 

Diego Rodriguez, Shawnee Mission Northwest HS 

Devika Krishna, Blue Valley Southwest HS 

Ava Winfield, Shawnee Mission East HS  

Rachel Young,  Saint Thomas Aquinas HS

Lizzie Herron, Blue Valley Northwest HS 

Quinlyn Peters, Mill Valley High School HS 

Laura Mehnert, Shawnee Mission West HS 

Addyson Lago, Olathe West HS 

Josephine Einziger-Lowics, Blue Valley West HS 

Kay Campbell, Olathe East HS 

Emmie lliff, Heritage Christian Academy

Daniel Cheon, Blue Valley HS

3D Art Finalists

Keira Neely, Shawnee Mission West HS 

Emelie English, De Soto HS

Mazie Alber, Shawnee Mission East HS 

Vanessa Perez, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Alastair Alley-Dalzell, Blue Valley Northwest HS 

Carolyn Meuret, Blue Valley HS

Ella Heitmann, Saint Thomas Aquinas HS

Damien Courtney, Olathe South HS 

Heidi Nance, Notre Dame De Sion HS  

Alexandra Chavez, Olathe Northwest HS

Photography Finalists

Jacob Walter, Olathe East 

Brooke Duvall, Blue Valley North 

Megan Neil, Blue Valley West 

Kendra Haile, Blue Valley Northwest

Nolan Kruske, Shawnee Mission South

Trey Motter, Gardner Edgerton 

Andrea Guerrero, Blue Valley High School 

Connor Doran, Shawnee Mission East

Literature Finalists

Brianna Crowder, Gardner Edgerton HS

Hailey Tam, Blue Valley West HS 

Beckett Hodes, Blue Valley High School HS 

Garrett Li, Olathe North HS 

Joshua Beal, Blue Valley Southwest HS 

Isabella Matascik, Blue Valley North HS

Strings Finalists

Juliana Parr, Heritage Christian Academy

Athul Prasad, Blue Valley West HS 

Milo Powell, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Clare O’Malley, Shawnee Mission Northwest HS 

Dominic Marroquin, Olathe North HS 

Ethan Steiner, Blue Valley Southwest HS 

Brandon Lewis, Olathe Northwest HS 

Lily Theis, Saint James Academy

Winds & Percussion Finalists

Ray Niboro Jr., Olathe East HS

Alexa Rieder, Gardner-Edgerton HS

Derek Townsend, Blue Valley Southwest HS 

Henry Wheat, Olathe South HS 

Zachary Sonsthagen, Blue Valley West HS 

Mia Plumberg, Mill Valley HS 

Nicholas Maskil, De Soto HS 

Rhys Savage, Olathe Northwest HS 

Eli Moon, Shawnee Mission East HS 

Becca Hopper, Heritage Christian Academy

Voice Classical Finalists

Adeline Davis, Olathe West HS 

Aubrey Berthold, Olathe Northwest HS 

Cale Fulcher, Blue Valley North HS 

Charlotte Chadwick, Olathe North HS 

Edie Logback, Olathe East HS 

Gigi Miner, Saint Thomas Aquinas HS 

Mackenzie Huebner, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Noah Ledom, Blue Valley West HS 

Paige Jackson, Spring Hill HS

Samantha McCoy, Mill Valley HS

Tristan Jenkins, Olathe South HS

Theatre Performance Finalists

Chiron Crabb, Olathe South HS 

Joslyn Selser, Blue Valley North HS 

Savannah Hendry, De Soto High School 

Charlie Senuta, Olathe North HS 

Ashlyn Warren, Olathe West HS 

Matthew Bryan, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Harper Wright, Saint Thomas Aquinas HS 

Madeline Hendricks, Blue Valley Southwest HS 

Sanjeev Adma, The Barstow School

Caroline Reda, Shawnee Mission East HS 

Halle Gray, Shawnee Mission Northwest HS 

Jeremiah Okken, Kansas City Christian HS

Harrison Guest, Mill Valley HS

Arle McCallon, Notre Dame De Sion HS

Maggie Sykes, Olathe Northwest HS 

Chet Salsbury, Shawnee Mission South HS 

Trystan Wood Spring Hill HS

Production & Design Finalists

Jenna Campbell, Olathe West HS 

Norah Anderson, Shawnee Mission East HS 

Lauren Ware, Olathe North HS

Natalie Kucharczyk, Shawnee Mission Northwest HS 

Claire Adams, Shawnee Mission North HS 

Alyssa Yanez, Gardner-Edgerton HS 

Madison Helman, Blue Valley North HS 

Nash Swinson, Shawnee Mission South HS

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Introduced in 2023, The Arts Advocate Award is awarded to individuals who have dedicated significant time, effort, and leadership that has positively impacted the creative economy and community here in Johnson County. This year, we were able to bestow 4 awards on individuals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of those dedicated to Johnson County Art.

Angi Cain Hejduk is a long-time arts advocate, community builder, and nonprofit leader whose work has helped shape the cultural landscape of Johnson County and the greater Kansas City region. She currently serves as the inaugural Public Art Specialist for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD), where she is stewarding the district’s growing public art collection and helping chart a thoughtful, forward-looking expansion of public art throughout the county. In her first months with JCPRD, Angi has focused on building partnerships, deepening community engagement, and championing future projects-including new permanent and temporary artworks and a nature-centered residency program inspired by the work of JCPRD’s Natural Resources team. Her approach emphasizes storytelling rooted in the land, wildlife, and prairie ecology of Johnson County, and the role of public art in strengthening our relationship to the green spaces we share.

Before joining JCPRD, Angi spent nearly a decade as CEO of InterUrban ArtHouse, where she worked alongside artists, educators, and partners to build one of the region’s most welcoming and impactful creative communities. Under her leadership, IUAH expanded affordable studio space, professional and business-skills support for artists, school-based and real-world learning opportunities for youth, and programming exploring the intersection of art and healing. She helped foster a safe, vibrant place where artists could create, collaborate, and thrive—and where the community could gather to experience art. IUAH’s growth and visibility also contributed to the continued momentum of Downtown Overland Park as a thriving cultural district.

Earlier in her career, Angi served with Cornerstones of Care, supporting community-based programs focused on youth and family well-being. Across all chapters of her professional journey, she has brought the same values: compassion, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of the arts to build community.

Inas Younis was elected to the Overland Park City Council in November 2023, following years of dedicated civic engagement and public service.

She worked as an independent journalist and commentator, with her writing published in major outlets including The Washington Post and The Kansas City Star. In the literary field, she co-authored three children’s books and had her original monologue featured by the Unicorn Theatre.
A devoted supporter of the arts, Inas served as Chair of the Friends of Overland Park Arts Advisory Board and was a board member of the Kansas City Public Theatre, an organization dedicated to providing year-round, free theatrical entertainment to the public.

Inas lives in Overland Park with her husband of 30 years and is the mother of three adult children.

Kara Hettinger is the Director of Arts Education at the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College. At the MTC she programs and manages school and family programming as well as community outreach offerings. Kara worked professionally as an actor, stage manager, director and teaching artist for more than 20 years before coming to JCCC and still remains active and connected to the Kansas City arts community.

Previously, Kara was the Director of Arts Education for the Kansas City Chapter of Young Audiences as well as the Education Director for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Kara was also an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Benedictine College. Early in her career Kara was the co-founder, producer and director for her own theatre company, for which she directed several new works. Kara earned a B.A. in Theatre from Loyola University of Chicago and an M.A. in Theatre at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Kara serves on the leadership team for the Plains Presenters, a network of presenting venues located in the Midwest and is a founding member of the Midwest Teaching Artist Coalition, a collective of arts and culture institutions dedicated to fostering teaching artistry in the region

Originally from Kansas, Sav Rodgers is an American filmmaker, writer, film curator, and pop culture documentarian.

Sav’s debut feature Chasing Chasing Amy explores the complicated legacy of Chasing Amy (1997) and its profound impression on his life. In 2018, Sav gave a TED Talk on the subject, appropriately titled, “The rom-com that saved my life.” The film had its World Premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival, and played at prestigious festivals including the BFI London Film Festival, Outfest Los Angeles, and the Palm Springs International Festival. Sav was awarded the Cleveland International Film Festival’s DReam Maker Award for pioneering LGBTQ+ filmmakers for his work on the documentary.

Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024, Sav’s experiences as a queer Midwesterner with a wild imagination have spurred the writing of scripts that center on highly specific, surprising stories about LGTBQ+ people. His screenplays have been recognized by GLAAD, Outfest, ScreenCraft, among others. His next film, a surreal sci-fi comedy called Pancake Skank, will be executive-produced by Lilly Wachowski and The Duplass Brothers.  Sav is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center, a nonprofit organization that helps trans creators bring finished films to audiences around the world. In 2024, the organization awarded $100K in funding to trans storytellers and is on track to grant $195K to trans artists in need in 2025. Additionally, in 2025, Sav and the Transgender Film Center were awarded SXSW’s Community Service Award for Film & TV.

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National Arts & Humanities Month is a national initiative to create a national focus on the arts. This initiative shines a light on the effects of the arts and humanities, including but surely not limited to embodying the wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humanity, enriching lives, and improving our individual and collective well-being. 

In Johnson County, the nonprofit arts industry generated $38.5 million in economic activity in 2022. This spending includes $23.1 million in event spending by the audiences of these non-profit organizations. This industry supports 676 jobs and generates $21.7 million in household income for residents across our 21 municipalities. 

The Arts Council of Johnson County believes that our communities are built on creativity and works to bring attention and resources to the vibrant creative sector in Johnson County, as well as create and sustain a thriving and connected community.

To support the arts during National Arts and Humanities Month and beyond at The Arts Council :

1. Support our Shooting Stars Program: Our program recognizes artistic excellence among high school students in Johnson County. Generous support from donors helps us award 18 college scholarships and honor 9 teachers with honorariums. If you would like to support the Shooting Stars Program, please visit our website here.

2. Volunteer your time: Your gift of time is deeply valued. If you are interested in volunteering for any of our events, please email artsjoco@artsjoco.org, and we can chat about all of our opportunities. 

3. Become an advocate for the arts:  The arts are essential to our community. The arts drive revenue to local businesses, strengthen our mental health, and help us explore our history and culture. Contact your elected officials and raise awareness about the importance of the arts

4. Support local artists: Another wonderful way to support the arts is to attend arts events, buy local artwork, purchase tickets to live performances, or invite a friend to join you at your favorite local arts organization. 

The post Recognizing National Arts & Humanities Month in Johnson County appeared first on The Arts Council of Johnson County.

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 collage. Each session included a conversation prompt and hands-on guidance, culminating in a self-curated exhibition at the Merriam Community Center in January 2025.

What We Heard

From pre- and post-workshop surveys, we learned that participants came seeking inspiration, connection, and confidence—and they found it. Many described the workshops as a safe, judgment-free space where they could explore new techniques, overcome self-doubt, and build meaningful relationships with fellow creatives.

“I didn’t expect to feel so connected. The conversations were just as powerful as the art.”“

Meeting artists of different backgrounds and skill levels enriched my experience.”

“Creating alongside others reminded me that I’m part of something bigger.”

What we Learned

The Canvas Collective met—and exceeded—its goals in five key areas:

• Promoting Healing and Resilience through art therapy techniques 
• Fostering Social Connection via collaborative artmaking 
• Empowering Creative Expression across diverse media 
• Strengthening Community Integrity by celebrating inclusivity and shared experience 
• Supporting Mental Health and Well-being through creative exploration

Participants spanned generations. Across the board, they emphasized the importance of inclusive spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to grow both artistically and emotionally. As we reflect on the success of Canvas Collective, we’re excited to look ahead to our 2025 Canvas Collective. We hope you’ll join us by registering for this year’s workshops! The program’s impact is clear: when we invest in creativity, we invest in connection, resilience, and hope.

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What Is a Local Arts Agency?

Local Arts Agencies exist to serve their communities by promoting, supporting, and developing access to the arts. They come in many forms—government departments, nonprofit organizations, or hybrid models—and operate at municipal, county, regional, and tribal levels. Importantly, LAAs aren’t limited to a single entity per area; they often coexist and collaborate, reflecting the unique cultural needs of different communities within a shared geography.

Nationwide, LAAs play a vital role in:

• Expanding creative opportunities-
• Supporting individual artists and cultural organizations
• Shaping policies that elevate the arts
• Strengthening community identity and economic development through cultural investment

ACJC has long acted as a connector and advocate for the arts in Johnson County. This new designation formally recognizes the work we’ve been doing and allows us to do even more.

Why This Designation Matters

Being named an official LAA amplifies ACJC’s ability to:

• Pursue public and private arts funding
• Develop partnerships across sectors—government, education, nonprofits, and business
• Broaden access to programs that serve youth, veterans, and underserved communities
• Contribute to long-term cultural planning and economic vitality

It also places ACJC within a national network of LAAs, opening the door to expanded resources, visibility, and best practices.

Looking Ahead

This designation marks a significant step forward, not just for ACJC, but for the broader arts ecosystem in Johnson County. As we continue working with partners across neighborhoods, cities, and institutions, we remain committed to fostering creativity, inclusion, and innovation through the arts.

The post ACJC Named Johnson County’s Local Arts Agency appeared first on The Arts Council of Johnson County.

Today, we’re facing a critical moment. Federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts is being cut and with growing challenges in the nonprofit sector, organizations like ours are feeling the pressure. We’ve weathered hard times before, because people like you show up. Now, more than ever, we need your help to support the arts and keep the creative spirit of Johnson County alive and thriving.

At the Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC), we see firsthand how the arts bring people together, strengthen our communities, and change lives. In 2024 alone, our programs and events reached more than 60,000 people. This includes students discovering their creativity, veterans finding healing through artistic expression, and neighbors connecting over shared experiences. Whether it’s scholarships for young artists, professional development for local creatives, or community programs tackling loneliness and mental health ACJC is committed to making the arts accessible for all.

If you believe in the power of the arts to build stronger communities, like Ellen does, now is the time to act. Ellen is a retired art educator and longtime volunteer with our Shooting Stars program. She mentors young artists, hosts events, and remains a steadfast friend to the arts because she sees the impact firsthand. “During my long career as an art educator,” she told us, “I saw over and over again the transformative power of visual art for my students… I feel blessed to live in Johnson County, where the importance of the arts is supported.”

Your gift, whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly commitment, helps ensure that more students, artists, and neighbors can access the life-changing power of the arts. With arts funding facing cuts and uncertainty across the nonprofit sector, your support is needed now more than ever. Let’s meet this moment together.

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Art is more than just an expression—it is a powerful force for connection, healing, and transformation. The STASH 3 project, led by the Arts Council of Johnson County in collaboration with artist Justin Border, is a perfect example of how creativity can bridge isolation, spark inspiration, and foster a sense of belonging.

Creativity as a Catalyst At its core, STASH 3 was designed to challenge artists by providing them with a curated set of materials and inviting them to respond creatively. This seemingly simple act—working with found objects—became a means for artists to push their creative limits. Many participants described the experience as an “explosion of creative energy,” rekindling their passion for making art and encouraging experimentation with new techniques.

In a time when the pressures of productivity often weigh heavily on artists, STASH 3 offered a refreshing opportunity to create freely, without expectation. This speaks to a larger truth about the arts: creativity flourishes when given space and support.

Building Community Through Art One of the most profound impacts of the project was its ability to foster connection. The structured challenge of working with shared materials, combined with the opportunity to exhibit and discuss their work, allowed participants to feel seen and valued within a larger creative network.

Artists reflected on the importance of knowing they weren’t alone in their process, and many shared that STASH 3 was one of the first times they had truly felt part of an artistic community. The simple act of creating alongside others—even in different locations—reminded them that art has a unique way of forging relationships, regardless of background or experience level.

Art as a Tool for Healing The intersection of art and mental health was a key theme in STASH 3, culminating in a panel discussion with artists and mental health professionals. Many participants noted how the act of making art helped them process emotions, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

This echoes a broader understanding of the arts as a form of therapy. Whether through personal reflection, community engagement, or simply the joy of creation, artistic expression has the power to support mental well-being in ways that words often cannot.

Looking Forward The success of STASH 3 has sparked a new initiative: Canvas Collective, a program rooted in art therapy. This evolution underscores a vital truth—when we invest in the arts, we invest in people. Art builds community, strengthens mental health, and empowers individuals to see the world (and themselves) in new ways.

This is why we do what we do. Because art matters. Because creativity is essential. And because projects like STASH 3 remind us that through the simple act of making, we can transform not only materials but also lives.

Read the full Executive Summary on the STASH3 Project here.

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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, where we’ll be awarding nine first-place scholarships ($1,400), nine second-place scholarships ($700), and nine teacher honorariums ($300) to recognize the dedicated educators who help these young artists shine.

A huge thank you to the foundations, businesses, and individuals whose generous support makes the Shooting Stars program possible. Together, we’re helping the next generation of artists soar!

Literature

Eli Marvine, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Mary Vassilevsky, Shawnee Mission East High School
Aspen Gallentine, Blue Valley High School
Quinn Kelly, St. Teresa’s Academy
Gabriel Calvert, Pembroke Hill Upper School

Photography

Kinley Silliman, Blue Valley Southwest High School
Han Mellenbruch, Shawnee Mission East High School
Nicholas Danner, Blue Valley High School
Andrew Guyer, Olathe East High School
Evelyn Fisher, Blue Valley Northwest High School

Production & Design

Reese Irwin, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Sophie Ermgodts, Blue Valley Southwest High School
Dani King, Gardner Edgerton High School
Riley Gaikowski, Shawnee Mission East High School
Audrey Belden, Olathe South High School
Hannah Mueller, Spring Hill High School
Roux Harper, Olathe West High School
Lucy Giem, Olathe East High School

Strings

Eli Tamano, Olathe Northwest High School
Ivanka Joshi, Blue Valley West High School
Joseph Park, Olathe West High School

Theatre Performance

Katie Coughlin, Blue Valley West High School
Matthew Fortino, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Reese Miller, Mill Valley High School
Sage Reedy, Shawnee Mission North High School
Aaron Shirley, Olathe West High School
Caroline Kelley, Olathe East High School
Noah Hasting, Olathe South High School
Cameron Hargrove, Blue Valley Southwest High School
Macie Martin, Heritage Christian Academy
Alicia Hernandez-Gonzalez, Olathe North High School
Sophia Mullinax, Olathe Northwest High School
Luke Dent, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Sebastian Gonzalez, Layton Blue Valley North High School
Kail McCrary, Pembroke Hill Upper School
Nia Gosier, Shawnee Mission South High School

Three-Dimensional Art

Zoey Karr, Shawnee Mission East High School
Vivian Maxwell, Olathe North High School
Katie Mueller, Blue Valley High School
Eva Minor, Blue Valley Northwest High School
Cole Defever, Blue Valley Southwest High School
Laiken Vorthmann, De Soto High School
Rory Smith, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Emeline Dahl, Olathe South High School
Charley Godsil, Gardner Edgerton High School
Adler Downs, Olathe East High School

Two-Dimensional Art

Paige Horne, Olathe Northwest High School
Lily Klein, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Macy Orrick, Olathe East High School
Betsi Waldeck, The Barstow School
Sydney Anderson, Heritage Christian Academy
Siena Masilionis, Blue Valley North High School
Ramsey Browne, Blue Valley High School
Hala Bayazid, Blue Valley Southwest High School
Cora Jones, Mill Valley High School
Madison Smith, Blue Valley Northwest High School
Kaila Burnside, Gardner Edgerton High School
Macy Orth, Olathe West High School
Amelia Diefendorf, Shawnee Mission East High School
Levi Mong, Kansas City Christian High School
Benjamin Stelzer, De Soto High School
Audyn Deterding, Spring Hill High School
Hannah Lank, Shawnee Mission North High School

Voice Classical

Nate Udell, Olathe Northwest High School
Daniel Liang, Spring Hill High School
Lucas MacNider, Olathe South High School
Blake Gray, Mill Valley High School
Bubba Hayne, Blue Valley West High School
Ava Strella, Olathe North High School
Aubree Smith, Shawnee Mission West High School
Alex Houghtlin, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Brie Quinlan, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Winds & Percussions

Ben Dresbach, Olathe Northwest High School
Tanner Register, Olathe South High School
Fin Smajda, De Soto High School
Ryne Poindexter, Olathe East High School
Iason Wilson-Brown, Shawnee Mission South High School

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Art is essential. It strengthens Johnson County at every level—enriching individuals, families, and communities. Creativity serves as a foundation for innovation, prosperity, and vibrant people and places. The arts are ingrained in our civic infrastructure and community identity, intertwined with our economic development, and are an important component of individual and community health and well-being.

In Johnson County, the arts are a powerful economic driver. Our local creative economy generates $38.5 million in economic activity every year. This revenue fuels local businesses, creates jobs, enhances the quality of life for our residents, and boosts cultural tourism. Every gallery opening, performance, or festival brings increased foot traffic to our restaurants, hotels, and shops, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. Hundreds of individuals are employed across our arts ecosystem, from performers and creators to those behind the scenes. This demonstrates that investing in the arts isn’t just about culture—it’s a smart, strategic move for economic growth.

Moreover, a vibrant arts and culture community keeps local residents—and their discretionary dollars—in the community and creates a sense of hometown pride.

This vibrancy is especially evident in the work of Johnson County’s municipal arts councils and departments. In Olathe, the city celebrated a vibrant year for the arts with standout events like the launch of Theater in the Square and the Olathe Arts Festival. The Prairie Village Arts Council strengthened its presence with well-attended exhibitions including State of the Arts and the Art of Photography. And the Roeland Park Art Committee installed their largest project to date: Nathan Pierce’s “Origins” sculpture.

In Lenexa, the Arts Council collaborated on meaningful projects with several organizations, including ACJC, on our annual Place of Peace veterans’ art exhibit. Leawood marked its 75th anniversary with the unveiling of Reaching, a monumental public art installation by local artist William S. Nemitoff. Inspired by themes of connection and community, the sculpture reflects Leawood’s spirit of friendship and cultural exchange. It aims to inspire joy and celebrate beauty as an integral part of daily life. With guidance from the De Soto Arts Council, the city of De Soto completed several exciting arts projects, including a new mural by artist Alex Eickhoff which celebrates the city and is supported by the Kansas Arts Commission.

In Johnson County, we are in a great position to continue to grow and thrive thanks in part to a nearly $2 million investment of federal recovery funding from Johnson County Government. Over the last two years, the Arts Council has worked with Emporia State University, InterUrban ArtHouse, and the JCPRD Culture Division to provide recovery grants to artists and arts nonprofits, mental health training to arts educators, and mental health programming for the community, business development training for artists, and community development programs across Johnson County. Thank you to the Board of County Commissioners for your leadership and life-changing support.

Storytelling plays a vital role in promoting our creative community. Through storytelling, the transformative power of creativity becomes tangible, moving others to engage, support, and participate in the arts. Inspired by the Johnson County Cultural Asset Map and our state and local advocacy initiatives, the Arts Story Bank is a creative tool to promote and advance the arts. The project highlights impactful programs, organizations, and initiatives by actively collecting and sharing local stories and experiences. Designed as a living, ongoing effort, our goal is for the story bank to be an easy-to-replicate model for communities across Kansas.

The arts are deeply interconnected with every facet of our community. In 2025, we’ll work with arts and non-arts partners to explore opportunities that support arts and community health and connection. Whether through painting, music, dance, or writing, the arts create safe spaces for self-discovery and communication, breaking down barriers of isolation and strengthening community bonds.

The Shooting Stars program will also proudly celebrate 28 years of recognizing Johnson County high school seniors for their artistic excellence. To date, we’ve honored the creative potential of over a thousand students and celebrated the invaluable contributions of hundreds of arts educators. Beyond awarding our own scholarships, we’ve partnered with regional colleges to offer provisional scholarships to participating students. Last year alone, the Shooting Stars class received $16 million in provisional scholarships over four years.

The state of the arts in Johnson County is strong because of the partners, supporters, volunteers, educators, artists, and advocates—and the work we do together. Your dedication fuels change inspires innovative approaches to community challenges and cultivates a vibrant local identity.

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