The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park works to enrich public art and inspire young creatives.
By Kathleen Hokit on April 16, 2026
Arts in Overland Park, Kansas, blends with everyday life in a way that feels natural and inviting. Sculptures line green walking trails, music drifts across neighborhood parks during warm evenings, and children discover the arts in spaces designed to spark curiosity. At the center of much of this creative activity is the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP), which has spent 30 years expanding access to art, culture and recreation across the community.
In This Article
- Supporting Public Art
- Bringing People Together
- Inspiring Young People
- Strengthening Community Spaces
- Looking Ahead
- World-Class Performances Close to Home
Supporting Public Art
Sonya McLelland, executive director of ARFOP, says the foundation is known for its long-standing commitment to local artists.
“The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park has proudly supported public art and local artists for the last 30 years through the work of our arts advocacy group called Friends of Overland Park Arts,” she says.
Members of the group include artists and art enthusiasts who are dedicated to funding public art and expanding arts awareness and opportunities.
Meg Ralph, director of strategic communications for the City of Overland Park, says this collaboration is an important part in helping enhance the city’s quality of life.
“The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park plays a key role in providing a high quality of life in Overland Park,” she says. “Through public installations, galleries and programs, the city promotes creativity and provides enriching artistic experiences.”
Bringing People Together
Public installations and community events gather people in ways that feel inclusive and accessible.
“The great thing about the arts is that no group of people can view a painting, hear a song or attend a play or dance performance and experience it the same way,” McLelland says.
However, experiencing it together helps unite the community.
“While art can certainly be thought-provoking and challenge our views, I believe the arts unite and build bridges between people, rather than divide us,” McLelland says.
Ralph says these shared experiences align with what the city is looking to achieve.
“Fostering a high quality of life and attracting individuals of all abilities and interests to Overland Park aligns with the city’s strategic goals,” Ralph says. “Establishing gathering spaces within the city for artists to exhibit their talents enriches the local culture.”
Inspiring Young People
Introducing children to the arts remains a key priority for ARFOP. The foundation is known for its beloved programs, like Nutcracker Tea Party, as well as its support for organizations that bring the arts into local schools.
“There is a significant body of research that supports the fact that exposure to and participation in the arts has a tremendously positive impact on mental health and self-esteem,” McLelland says. “With all of the challenges our youth face in today’s society, it is more important than ever to introduce them at an early age to the lifelong joy and sense of belonging that participation in the arts provides.”
Strengthening Community Spaces
ARFOP also supports the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, spaces that McLelland says reflect ARFOP’s broader mission.
“The arboretum and farmstead are true community gems in Overland Park, and we are proud to support them through our associated advocacy groups,” McLelland says.
Art is integrated throughout the arboretum, home to several pieces of art located throughout the grounds and in the LongHouse Visitor Center, providing “a wonderful opportunity to experience the health benefits of nature and art together in one place,” McLelland says.
And at the farmstead, learning and creativity come alive.
“Children experience true joy in learning about animals, the environment, agriculture and our state’s history,” McLelland says of the farmstead.
Looking Ahead
Both ARFOP and the city share an optimistic outlook on the future.
“I enjoy working with the City of Overland Park’s leaders, our dedicated volunteers and our donors as we can continue to dream big,” McLelland says.
Ralph adds that the partnership between ARFOP and the city remains a cornerstone of community life.
“The city’s relationship with the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is a collaborative partnership with aligned visions for the community’s betterment,” Ralph says. “The hundreds of volunteers who contribute to quality events, funding and time exemplify this partnership.”
World-Class Performances Close to Home
Residents of Johnson County don’t have to travel to a major metro to experience top-tier performing arts. Thanks to Johnson County Community College’s Midwest Trust Center Series, audiences can enjoy world-class artists, family programming and a full range of performances in Overland Park.
Stacie McDaniel, executive director of the Midwest Trust Center, says accessibility guides every decision the center makes.
“Because we are a performing arts center on the campus of a publicly funded community college, we take our role as stewards of the public trust very seriously,” she says, noting that the center’s goal is to make sure all residents feel welcome and see themselves reflected in the programming.
Ticket prices remain intentionally affordable, and free parking helps keep outings convenient. The series also provides many no-cost or low-cost options, including Light Up the Lawn, the Kids Jam music series and family programs.
The center also offers discounted tickets through TeenTix KC and ArtsKC’s The Drop and donates tickets through Vet Tix and HopeKids.
McDaniel says the biggest surprise for many patrons is the caliber of talent.
“We work with the same agents to bring the same artists to our stages that the big-city venues are bringing,” she says. “Patrons can really have a big-city experience with all of the comfort and convenience of being close to home.”
With programming curated 12 to 18 months in advance, the series aims to offer something for every generation and interest.
McDaniel says these gathering spaces act as hearths for the community, supporting connection, understanding and more than $5 million in annual economic impact.
Residents can find upcoming performances at jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center.