Council reappoints Olathe Public Art Committee members as arts program expands

The Olathe City Council on Aug. 5 approved a resolution reappointing members to the city's Public Art Committee and heard the board chair describe upcoming projects intended to expand the city's public-art profile.

Chelsea Walker, board chair of the Olathe Public Art Committee, told the council the committee's mission is to "foster the commissioning, acquisition, presentation, and preservation of our permanent art collection and our temporary art collection," and to "activate our public spaces and connect people to the community." She introduced appointees and said the committee is planning a large sculpture for the 119th Street roundabout, public workshops and a rotating sculpture exhibition at community facilities.

Walker named appointees who could attend — landscape architect Chrissa McMullen, performing-arts leader Bridget Taylor and graphic designer Brian Hanson — and described applicants who were unable to attend. "We are really hoping to build Olathe as an art city and have that be part of our identity," Walker said.

Mayor Pro Tem and council members thanked the committee for its volunteer service and endorsed the reappointments. The council approved Resolution No. 25-1065 by motion and unanimous roll-call vote.

The reappointments come as the committee seeks to pair public-art installations with larger public events, including the city's arts festival, and to involve residents in site selection and rotating displays. Council members urged ongoing public engagement as individual projects move from concept to implementation.

The city will post committee meeting schedules and project notices and will return to council with any items requiring funding or site approvals.