A new collection of art is now on display in the Johnson County Administration Building, through the county’s partnership with InterUrban ArtHouse on a rotating art exhibition.

This is the Administration Building’s third collection of art since the rotating exhibition began in Sept. 2024. The new art, created by Melanie Nolker, features oil paintings of birch and aspen trees, abstract acrylic paintings and more.

Nolker – whose background is in early childhood special education – didn’t begin art until her mid-40s. It was then that she discovered a love for painting, and she would retire at 50 to do art full time.

Nolker was initially known for her paintings of trees created with a palette knife and oil paints. Then, a few years ago, she began taking online classes in abstract and design and acrylics, and she would add this style to her repertoire.

“Since that time, I’ve been doing more exploratory work. So each I day when I go to my studio, I really don’t know what’s going to happen, which is really invigorating for me at this point in my life,” Nolker said.

The exhibition space is located on the main level of the Administration Building, located at 111 S. Cherry St. in Olathe, KS. The exhibition showcases local artists' work, bringing a vibrant and diverse array of art to the community – and with this collection of paintings, the many styles Nolker brings to the table.

“I’ve seen people looking at my work in the building. I’ve just kind of stood back, and I’ve seen people as they’re walking through stop. That’s amazing in a public space that somebody would actually stop and look. That’s really special to me,” Nolker said.

If you’d like to come view Nolker’s art, the Administration Building is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also view public art at several Library branches, also through a partnership with InterUrban ArtHouse.

Learn more about Melanie Nolker at melanienolkerart.com.