Welcome to the home of Olathe Visual Artists.

The need to promote the arts in the community of Olathe was first recognized by a handful of local arts enthusiasts among whom was Norma Silvers. She became the first president of the Olathe Arts Council when it was officially founded in 1978.

In 1987, OAC President Deborah Volkland united the Olathe Theatre, Band, Orchestra, Chorus and the Arts Council under one umbrella, the Olathe Arts Alliance.

In 1993, the Olathe Arts Council, presided over by Don Dane, became known as the Olathe Visual Artists, Inc. As a non-profit organization, the group is funded in part by membership fees, by money from the Olathe Arts Alliance, and by the Public Arts and Cultural Commission. Membership dues are $20.00 annually with a $15.00 initiation fee. A monthly newsletter informs members of upcoming guest speakers, workshops, juried shows, entry deadlines and other valuable information pertaining to the visual arts.

All persons interested in the visual arts are welcome at the monthly meetings held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at Cedar Lake Village, 15325 S. Lone Elm Rd., Olathe, KS.

Several guest speakers and workshops are held throughout the year with noted artists providing insight and direction on the visual arts. These speakers cover a wide range of art related topics.

Continuing a tradition that was started in 1995, an annual scholarship competition is held with open entry for qualified Olathe area high school students who will be continuing their art related education.

Membership dues: Member Dues are $20.00/year. New members should include an additional initiation fee of $15. Phyllis Gardner at 133 South Pine, Olathe, KS 66061.
Your membership fees pay for scholarships, art shows, newsletter publishing supplies and postage, guest speakers, classes and workshops, outreach projects, equipment, advertising, a meeting place and a whole lot more.