‘Celebrating getting along.’ Through Lenexa project, artists offer signs of peace

Lory Rodak simply could not resist.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of such a positive project — one that gives so many people of all ages a chance to grow,” she said.

Rodak is among artists who have created works of art on more than 30 poles placed in Black Hoof Park, 9053 Monticello Road, Lenexa.

The Peace Poles Community Art Project is a partnership of the Lenexa Rotary Club, the Lenexa Arts Council and the city of Lenexa.

It’s an international effort of the Rotary Clubs to encourage peace, said Ben Harber, the coordinator of the project from the Lenexa Rotary Club.

“For us, it’s really the only art project for the year,” Harber said. Rotarians are known for their various volunteer efforts for charities.

“It doesn’t hurt for people to think about peace,” Harber said. “We are celebrating getting along and extending peace to one another.”

The poles aren’t new to Lenexa. A Peace Poles Community Art Project was installed in 2021 in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Many of the artists who participated in 2021, like Rodak, have returned.

Interested residents, community groups, businesses and artists submitted pole designs in January. A jury review process approved the work, and artists were allowed to have about six weeks to complete it.

The poles will be on display through Sept. 30, then will be sold through a public auction in November with the proceeds going to Project 1020 — Cold Weather Shelter and Food Pantry in Lenexa.

Black Hoof Park is an ideal spot, said Susanne Neely, recreation supervisor/Lenexa Arts Council liaison with Lenexa Parks & Recreation.

“It’s such a peaceful location,” she said.

The poles’ art is varied.

“The message of peace of each is unique and inspiring,” Neely said. “I think it’s a part of the delight. It’s such a broad interpretation of peace.

“It is so interesting and fun to see all these artists’ interpretations of peace.”

Rodak was able to watch a small group of teenagers standing at her pole in a 2021 exhibit.

“I kept my distance and just listened,” she said. “I think they were art students because they had a pretty good critique going on.

“It’s always nice to get compliments, but it means so much more when you overhear positive words reflected upon your work.”

When Rodak first heard of the project she remembered “some crazy-fun, beautifully adorned poles” she once saw in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

“They were happy things that lined a storefront window, so I had to buy one,” she said.

Rodak has some hopes for the people viewing her pole, called “We Come In Peace.” She hopes it will help people consider how quickly the world has expanded over the last few decades.

“Technology set forth a social media boom that has brought people together globally, while industry has enhanced vehicles of various modes to transport us physically to practically anywhere around the globe.” Rodak said.

“It won’t end there. Earth and all its cohabitants are so infinitely small in the grand scope of things. As humans continue to explore beyond our planet and solar system, we all hope the ‘unknown’ brings a source of peace.”

For more information about the Peace Poles Community Art Exhibit in Lenexa, go here. For more information about the global peace pole project go here.