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A temporary exhibit featuring artwork by nationally-recognized indigenous artists meant to bring attention to the topic of Native American will be coming to an end in mid-March at the Johnson County Museum.
Savages and Princesses - The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes, is the name of this exhibit, which opened Nov. 20, and will close on March 14. First curated by America Meredith, a Native American artist in Oklahoma, this exhibit consists of more than thirty contemporary artworks by 13 nationally-recognized Native American artists, and includes small art objects, framed pieces, and a giant installation.
This exhibit was made possible by Mid-America Arts Alliance and Exhibits USA, as well as through funding from Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and the National Endowment for the Arts. The November start of the exhibit tied into National Native American Heritage Month.
Savages and Princesses is on display at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Exhibit admission is included with regular museum admission rates of $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sunday.
Fun, music, and movement are in store when the Johnson County Museum presents a Kid-Friendly Musical Performance in mid-March.
Dino O’Dell will perform beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Johnson County Museum, located in the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Enjoy Dino’s unique blend of folk-rock and reggae! Whether he is counting monsters, fixing spaceships, or swimming in peanut butter, Dino’s interactive songs and tall tales stir the imagination, inspire curiosity, and engage the whole child.
The cost for this 45-minute program is $5 per person, and museum members save 20 percent, but must call (913) 831-3359 to register and their claim discount. Program registration does not include admission to KidScape and the museum. To register for this program by phone, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 27524.
Kid Friendly Musical Performances are designed for ages two through ten with an adult. To find this program in the My JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under youth and then under fine & performing arts. In the printed catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keyword “music.”
The Johnson County Museum is a department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The My JCPRD Activities catalog is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
Youth ages five to 10 are invited to come have fun at the Johnson County Museum during six days in March when school is not in session. Those dates include Friday, March 13, and all five of the individual days of this year’s Spring Break, Monday through Friday, March 16 through 20.
During these Kids’ Day Out programs, participants can choose from a variety of activities each day, including exploring history though crafts and projects, visiting the museum’s KidScape area and the history exhibits, playing games, and enjoying down time. The museum provides one snack, but be sure to bring a lunch and a water bottle, and dress for the weather -we will go outside if we can. Pre-registration is required.
On each of the March dates, the day’s program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and parents can drop off and pick up their children at any time within that timeframe. To find these programs in the My JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under youth and then under heritage & history. In the printed catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keyword “museum.”
Kids’ Day Out takes place at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, located at 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. The cost for each ten-hour session is $35 per participant. For more information, call (913) 715-2570. To register by phone, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 26689 for the Friday, March 13, session; 26687 for Monday, March 16; 26688 for Tuesday, March 17; 26691 for Wednesday, March 18; 26690 for Thursday, March 19; and 26692 for Friday, March 20.
The Johnson County Museum is a department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The My JCPRD Activities catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
Kick off this year’s spring break with an intergenerational special event being planned by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in mid-March.
This event, which is now is its fifth year, is called Family Fun Bingo Night. This event for all ages and will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park. Twists and special treats have been added to make the game more active and silly. Prizes will include gift bags and gift certificates. Dinner is included, and the meal will be served at 6 p.m., followed by bingo.
The cost per individual for this two-hour event is $10 for Johnson County residents or $11 for nonresidents. Two different family rates are being offered, depending on the number of participants. For up to seven people, the rate is $40 for Johnson County residents or $44 for nonresidents. For up to four people, the rate is $30 for residents or $33 for nonresidents. Cost of admission covers food (or snacks) and staff time to administer the bingo program. No additional charge for bingo.
For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 27791.
The My JCPRD Activities catalog is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
The third monthly installment of the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center’s Culture After Dark is scheduled for Thursday, March 12.
This program is presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Culture Division, and gives participants and their friends an opportunity to enjoy music and mingling for free on the second Thursday of each month. Food, beverages, and special programs are also available for a small fee.
March’s program begins at 5:30 p.m. when participants can get a bite from the Sancho Street Side food truck, get a glass of wine or beer, and grab a table in the JCAHC’s Creative Commons area before the live music starts performance starts at 6 pm. In the Creative Commons participants will also be able to explore JCAHC’s Home School Art Class exhibit celebrating National Youth in Art Month.
Also free in the Creative Commons is a digital temporary Johnson County Museum exhibit called Women and the Vote which features items from the League of Women Voters of Johnson County collection, which the museum maintains, as well as electoral information from the Johnson County Election Office.
There’s plenty more culture to experience throughout the evening as well: The Johnson County Museum, including KidScape and the Savages and Princesses temporary exhibit (which ends on March 14), will be open until 8:30 p.m. (adults $6, seniors $5); an Adult Open Art Studio will provide would-be artists with paint, canvasses, paper, clay, and anything needed to create all the art your heart desires in our relaxing, safe, and encouraging studio environment ($10 per participant); or try your feet at a Square Dancing Class from 7 to 8 p.m. ($5 per participant). No advance registration is required for any of these programs.
The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is located at 8788 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park. Culture After Dark will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate National Irish American Heritage Month during an annual special event being planned by the 50 Plus department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This event, called Irish Celebration with Celtique, involves a special performance by this local Irish band. Instruments used by the group include guitar, tenor banjo, bodhran, and keyboards. Participants will also enjoy Irish treats, as well as a chance to learn a basic Gaelic dance. To find this program in the M y JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under 50 Plus and then under special events. In the printed catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keywords “social event.”
This Irish Celebration with Celtique will take place beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street, Overland Park. The cost for this 90-minute event is $10 per person. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities” create or sign into an account, and complete a course ID search for 28154. Please register for this event by March 5.
While JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at (913) 826-2975 for space availability.
The My JCPRD Activities catalog is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
Since 1902, St. Joseph’s Krug park has delighted residents and visitors alike. Experience the park for yourself when the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District presents a Wednesday Walk at this site on March 11.
Wednesday Walk: Spring Strolling is the name of this program. Participants will venture along the trail and out onto the famous Parkway. The 164-acre city park features Italian Renaissance structures, extensive landscaping and flowerbeds. The park also houses an amphitheater, a lagoon, rose gardens, picnic areas, an Italian castle, scenic walking trails, and various playgrounds. This walk is expected to require an easy level of exertion.
To find this program in the My JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under 50 Plus and then under nature & outdoors. In the catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keywords “Wednesday walks.”
The Wednesday Walks program is designed to help participants make new friends while exploring the outdoors. JCPRD provides transportation, and walkers should bring a sack lunch for a picnic after our walk and a few dollars in case we stop for ice cream. Staff will determine if weather conditions are suitable for hiking. Please register at least one week prior to departure, and bring your own water bottle.
This Krug Park walk will take place on Wednesday, March 11, and will depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for this six-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 27756.
While JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at (913) 826-2975 for space availability.
The My JCPRD Activities catalog is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
Learn the basics of good lawn care and maintenance during a program being offered in mid-March by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse.
This one-hour program is called Park Perfect Lawns, and will be instructed by JCPRD park maintenance experts. Aimed at the weekend “do it yourselfer” ages 18 and older, this program will give participants an understanding of and more confidence in lawn care basics, and the best time of the year to focus on different aspects. Topics to be covered will include the different types of grasses and how that impacts everything else, proper mowing heights, fertilizing basics, the impact of compaction, seeding, watering, and a seasonal timeline. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
To find this program in the My JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under adult and then under enrichment and special interests. In the printed catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keyword “gardening.”
Park Perfect Lawns will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village. The cost for this one-hour session is $3 per person for Johnson County residents or $4 per person for nonresidents. For more information or to register by phone, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 27761.
Printed copies of the My JCPRD Activities catalog are available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
Parents and their preschoolers will love stories and illustrations from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House during a series of programs being offered monthly through April at the Johnson County Museum.
This program is called Retro Storytime and is for ages three to five with an adult. After each session’s story presentation, enjoy a craft activity for little hands. Stories change monthly. An adult must attend program with the child. These programs take place beginning at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday early each month at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park.
The cost for each 45-minute program is $2 per child, and museum members receive a 20 percent discount but must register by telephone to receive their discount. Registration for these programs does not include admission to the Johnson County Museum or to KidScape. To find this program in the My JCPRD Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under preschool and then under heritage & history. In the printed catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keyword “museum.”
The next program is called “The Fire Engine Book,” and will take place on March 11. Large-scale, active pictures will transport young readers to the scene where they’ll see brave firemen connect hoses and save the day in this Little Golden Book from 1950. Participants will make a fire hat after the story ends.
For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on “Register for Activities,” and complete a course ID search for 26448.
The final Retro Storytime program of this season will “Baby Farm Animals" on April 8 (course ID 26449).
The Johnson County Museum is a department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Summer hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. go into effect March 1 for many Johnson County Park and Recreation District parks. These summer hours will stay in effect through Oct. 31.
District parks impacted by the change in hours are: Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee & Lenexa; Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe; Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe; Lexington Lake Park, 8850 Sunflower Road, De Soto; Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton; and Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall, Prairie Village. Summer hours for Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Other District parks with year-round dawn to dusk hours include: Ernie Miller Park, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe; Sunflower Nature Park, 103rd St. and Edgerton Road, rural De Soto; Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th Street, Overland Park; Camp Branch Glade, 175th & Mission Road in Aubry Township; Stilwell Community Park, 207th and Metcalf, Stilwell; and all of the Streamway Park System access points.
Park hours are reduced each winter to reduce costs and to allow for the reallocation of staff time to other activities at a time when fewer people typically visit the parks because of colder weather and earlier nightfall.
For more information, visit the district’s website at www.jcprd.com or call (913) 888-4713.
Explore more than 40,000 historical photographs documenting the people, places and organizations of Johnson County, Kansas from the 19th century to the present!
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