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Arts Commission News

Walton to serve on board of southern arts federation

DATE:            June 4 , 2008

CONTACT:    Susan Dobbs, MAC Public Relations Director

601/359-6031, sdobbs@arts.state.ms.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JACKSON— Meridian native Dianne Walton, former Commissioner and Chairperson for the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC), has been selected to serve on the board of the Southern Arts Federation (SAF).  Walton was one of six distinguished new members recently appointed to the board of the non-profit regional arts organization.

“Dianne has a true understanding of the value of the arts.  Her time as Chair for the Mississippi Arts Commission helped her gain valuable knowledge in overseeing and managing public funding of the arts,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director of MAC.  “Her expertise will be a great asset to SAF and I am delighted she will represent our state.”

Walton was appointed to the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Board in 2003 and served as Chairperson in 2007.   Before her recent retirement, she served as Associate Dean for enrollment services at Meridian Community College since 1993.   A native of Meridian, she graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson with a degree in mathematics.  After completing a master’s degree in math education, she taught algebra in LaGrange, Georgia, as well as Oxford and West Point, Mississippi.  Her civic involvements are many, including serving as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Social Work Program at Mississippi State University.  During her year as President of the Meridian Junior Auxiliary, the chapter was awarded the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service.  In addition to her involvement with MAC, she expresses her passion for the arts by “attempting to make a joyful noise” in the choir of Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. 

Walton’s husband Ronnie is an attorney in Meridian and they are the proud parents of two sons, Tyler, a banker and William, a chef.

The Southern Arts Federation creates partnerships and collaborations; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and arts education.  Working in partnership with nine state arts agencies, SAF builds on the South’s unique heritage and enhances public value of the arts.

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Wallace Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, Donna and Jim Barksdale and other private sources.  MAC is the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in Mississippi. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in arts education.  

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