Emerging Artists
Emerging Artist Katie posing with her art
Johnson County Development Supports' Emerging Artists Program consists of adult artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are passionate and driven to create artwork. The artists' work in studio is located in a public venue at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center.
While acrylic painting is the most-used medium in studio, there are also artists using watercolor, colored pencil, fiber arts, ceramics, woodworking and sculpture.
The artists have the opportunity to show and sell their artwork at their studio, local art shows, galleries, and participate in marketing their work through their social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram. Sales from the artwork go directly to the artists.
The Emerging Artists are in varying stages of the artistic development, and most have been creating artwork for a long time.
Besides making money in an industry not typically open for people with IDD, many artists have had the door opened to equal citizenship, personal growth, communication, self-expression, self-advocacy and self-esteem from the art program. The artists get seen as adult artists, not as their disability.
Interested in joining the program?
People who are good a fit for the Emerging Artists program:
- An artist who creates original artwork
- Self-motivated/directed
- HCBS funding or private pay
Purchase Artwork In Person
You may also purchase artwork in person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. Cash, check and charged are accepted.
For more information about Emerging Artists, please contact:
- Cary Odell, Program Coordinator: 913-826-2226
- Kristen Devlin, Art Specialist: 913-826-2205