The Arts Center of Kershaw County welcomes new Executive Director, Dolly Patton
June 10, 2021
The Arts Center of Kershaw County is thrilled to announce that Dolly Patton will be coming on as the new Executive Director beginning the first week of June. A native of Florence SC, Dolly Patton’s fundraising career spans more than three decades and includes experience in nonprofit development, event planning, and public relations with various nonprofit organizations in the Midlands area, including Saluda Shoals Foundation, MIRCI, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Keep America Beautiful of SC, and Sandlapper Magazine.
Most recently, Patton served as the Director of the Saluda Shoals Foundation since 2005. During her tenure, she established successful annual giving programs and led the $1.7 million capital campaign to build Leo’s Landing, a universally inclusive playground.
Patton’s previous experience also includes raising $3.9 million for Harvest Hope Food Bank’s hunger programs. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of Sandlapper Magazine and the Education Director for Keep America Beautiful of SC, the state Keep America Beautiful affiliate.
Patton is active in the Midlands Community. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia Class of 2000 and the 2005 Nonprofit Leadership Institute at Francis Marion University. Additionally, she served on the board of Keep the Midlands Beautiful, and was named 1988 SC Jr. Civitan Advisor of the year. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Francis Marion University.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Arts Center of Kershaw County as its Executive Director and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization which serves as the cultural center for the community. The Arts Center has a long history of inspiring a culture of creativity. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, staff, and members of the community to provide outstanding art exhibitions, educational programs, musical events, dance programs, and theatrical performances.”
The Arts Center of Kershaw County Mission:
To create an environment that promotes artistic and cultural experiences and provides superior educational, instructional and entertainment opportunities that elevate and enrich the community for all residents of Kershaw County and beyond. To serve as a center for education, production and entertainment in the arts, to promote life-long learning, and to provide opportunities to experience and participate in the arts.
