Global support: Developmental Support program teams up with JoCo in art project

If you’re visiting Antioch Park in Merriam anytime soon, your eye will likely gravitate to several beautifully decorated concrete globes. They’re part of a joint effort from the county’s parks and recreation district public art program and artists who are part of Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS).

“It’s amazing to watch this whole transformation from painting concrete to doing some designs to making these amazing garden spheres,” said Deanna Smith, program coordinator for Papercrete Works, a program of JCDS.

Initially, a donation of mosaic tiles led artists at Papercrete Works to try making coasters and stepping stones. Then, they got the idea to make decorative garden spheres. After a little coordination with the public art program, all that creative energy coalesced into what would become the display at Antioch Park.

According to Susan Mong, superintendent of culture for Johnson County Park and Recreation District, Antioch Park draws approximately 800,000 visitors each year. Mong said she’s happy the partnership between JCDS and JCPRD can expose this artwork to more people.

All of the artists have intellectual or developmental disabilities and earn an hourly wage at Papercrete Works.

“In general, we overlook the gifts and talents of those with intellectual or physical disabilities,” Mong said. “They can teach us a whole lot about the world and how we see ourselves, and I’m proud we’re showcasing this amazing talent.”

Each artist selected a theme for the sphere, complete with colors and design. While most of the spheres feature mosaic tiles, a few are painted. The artists were hands-on for the entire process, including using a mixture of water, sand, cement and recycled paper to create the spheres’ structures in molds.

“Lots and lots of detail went into this. We learned how to grout. Nobody had ever grouted before. We learned how to seal them, so lots of research came into it,” Smith said.

Making sure all the materials would withstand the variable Kansas weather was also an important step.

It takes 24 hours for a sphere to cure after going into the mold. Then it must be sanded smooth and weatherproofed before being decorated.

“This is a skill they can build and put on their resume,” Smith said.

Themes for the spheres range from flowers and butterflies to glow-in-the-dark swirls. When you visit the park, a sign in the park’s rose garden provides a QR code with information on each artist and his or her project.

Nine artists participated in the project, with one making two spheres. Inspirations came from Minecraft, Pokémon, “That ‘70s Show,” animals and more.

“I just enjoy making things,” said Katie Zemel, who created a sphere called “Summer Vibes.”

She’s delighted that her work is being showcased in the park.

“I like it because they can see it whenever, like not a certain time or certain day. They can see it any day,” Zemel said.

When the exhibition ends Nov. 30, each sphere will go up for auction, with the proceeds supporting the Papercrete Works program. The program also has a store selling the artists’ other work, For more information go to jocogov.org and search papercrete works..

This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.