News
ARPA Funds Grant
Artistic Expressions Healing Arts Initiative partnered with ARTSConnect to create bi-monthly art classes for veterans and families to explore non verbal communication through art making. New art curriculum was created to support this program. Artistic Expressions was hosted at ArtsConnect from 2023-2024.
Rocket Grants
MIXED MEdia: A Healing Arts Journey for Veterans (2018) Artist John Sebelius created the Artistic Expressions Healing Arts Initiative, a veterans art program designed for those dealing with military-related trauma. This program offers a mental and physical space for veterans to explore their emotions, histories, and stories through a creative healing process. The initiative is supported by Rocket Grants, funded by the Spencer Art Museum, Charlotte Street Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
ARTSConnect TOPArts Access Grant
Sebelius's veterans art program, the Artistic Expressions Healing Arts Initiative, received recognition through the ARTSConnect TOPArts grant in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021, alongside support from Rocket Grants.
Best of Lawrence - Best Artist
Citizens of Lawrence, KS voted for Sebelius in various years, reflecting the community's support for initiatives like the artistic expressions healing arts initiative. The voting results are as follows: 1st Place in 2022, 1st Place in 2021, 1st Place in 2017, 1st Place in 2015, 1st Place in 2014, and 1st Place in 2012. Additionally, Sebelius achieved 2nd Place in both 2016 and 2013, as well as 3rd Place in 2018 and 2019, highlighting the impact of programs such as the veterans art program and the Rocket Grants on local artistic endeavors.
press
PUBLICATIONS
2026 Sylas May, "In a collaborative show Breeders captures Lawrence's chaos and fun of parenthood" Lawrence Journal World, April 23.
Wulfe Wulfemeyer, ‘Breeders’ is a collaborative Lawrence art show on parenthood that took a village, Lawrence Times, April 22.
2023 McKenzie Nelson, "Lawrence artist designs Chiefs players cleats" KSHB, Dec. 4. This creative initiative is part of the broader artistic expressions healing arts initiative aimed at fostering community engagement through art.
Maya Hodison, "Panda Pediatrics’ new art installation aims to reduce stress for patients" Lawrence Times, August 7.
2021 Maya Hodison, "John Sebelius celebrates spirits of powerful women through his new art exhibition" Lawrence Times, July 28, showcasing the importance of art in personal healing and expression.
2020 Darin White, "Building Up Layers", Lawrence Magazine, Fall Issue.
Grace Centeno, "Lawrence Church St. Luke AME Fundraising to restore stained glass windows", Kansan, June 25, supported by Rocket Grants to enhance local artistic contributions.
RISD XYZ Magazine, pg. 85, Spring/Summer Issue.
2019 Simone Solondz, “Offering an Antidote to PTSD”, RISD News, Nov. 19, part of a veterans art program focused on addressing trauma through creative outlets.
Ryan Compeau, “Born To Kill”, Fox 21 News, Oct. 10.
Jessica Eley, “Local Artist Designs Chiefs Custom Cleats”, Fox 4 News, Dec. 4, highlighting the intersection of sports and art.
2018 Brandt, Hannah. "Lawrence Artist has hand in creating Chiefs player's footwear", KSNT News, Dec. 13, demonstrating local talent in the sports arena.
Dylan Lysen, "Local Artist Designs Cleats for Kansas City Chiefs Players", LJWorld, Dec. 7.
Alana Laflore, "Chiefs players will sport special cleats", Fox4 News, Nov. 29, further promoting artistic expressions in sports.
Simone Solondz, "Offering an Antidote to PTSD", RISD News, Nov. 19.
Savana Maue, "ARTSConnect Announces Grant Winners", Topeka Capital-Journal, March 31, recognizing community initiatives supported by Rocket Grants.
2017 Savana Maue, “Topeka Mural Creates Perfect Backdrop” Topeka Capital-Journal, Aug. 20, enhancing local spaces through art.
Nick Krug, "Artists' 'Superfan' show takes on sports and politics", LJWorld, April 21.
2016 Nick Krug, “65 Colorful Characters”, Lawrence Journal World, Front Page Arts Section, Nov. 20.
Not So Late Show, Guest appearance, Nov. 16.
2015 Joanna Hlavacek, “Double Take”, Lawrence Journal-World, Front Page Arts Section, May 24.
Not So Late Show, Guest appearance, May 21.
2014 Nadia Imafidon, “Pledging Through Paint”, Lawrence Journal-World, Front page, August 17.
Best Of Lawrence Magazine, Lawrence Journal-World, Front page and pg 88.
2013 Sara Shepherd, “Warehouse Arts District with high-end fine art”, Lawrence Journal-World, April 24.
2012 Kansas City Voices, 10th Anniversary Edition, Artwork featured on pg. 57.
Andrew Travers, “Gonzo Goes Beyond Benton”, Aspen Daily News, June 16.
Richard Noggle, “Great stories bathed in Busch Light”, Larryville Chronicles, June 11.
2011 Brianne Pfannenstiel, “John Sebelius: Artist, fashion designer, and filmmaker”, Ink Magazine.
Abbie Stutzer, “John Sebelius on his film Searching At Sturgis”, The Pitch, July 28.
The University of Wyoming’s Art and Literature Journal, Owen Wister Review.
2010 Steve Brisendine, “Bringing the Outcasts in: John Sebelius”, Review, May 16.
KU Collegian, Cover illustration and reproductions, Spring: 2+.
2009 Kris Coronado, “Game Changer: John Sebelius”, Express, March 9.
“Headlines”, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC Television, March 3.
2008 Heather Krafft, “Local Fashion Designers Making Their Mark”, Kansas City Star, August 7.
John Sebelius, “Go Directly to Jail”, Harper’s, June Issue.
Nadia Pflaum, “A John Sebelius Update”, The Pitch, May 5.
KNOW+TELL, DETAILS, pg 14, March Issue.
Frank Tankard, “Shoots & Daggers”, Lawrence.com, January 28.
Fox & Friends, 3 minute segment, January 28.