April 17, 2006

Governor names executive director of Kansas Arts Commission
Llewellyn Crain, Manhattan, chosen to lead commission

The mission of promoting the arts in Kansas will go to Llewellyn Crain of Manhattan, as Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed her to serve as executive director of the Kansas Arts Commission effective May 22.

As the executive director of the Kansas Arts Commission, Crain will work with the 12-member commission to create arts policy and programs that serve the citizens of Kansas. She will oversee a staff of seven and collaborate with arts organizations, local, state and federal agencies, and individual artists to ensure that every Kansan has access to quality arts programs.

“It’s essential the Arts Commission has a leader with a full understanding of the arts as well as arts education and management,” said Governor Sebelius. “Llewellyn Crain’s experience and training in the arts will serve her well in this leadership position. I know she shares a commitment to the artistic tradition and history which is so important to our state.”

“The commissioners are pleased with the selection of Ms. Crain who brings exceptional background and skills to this new role,” said Anita Wolgast, chairperson of the commission. “We are excited to work with her to expand the role of the KAC in promoting the arts across Kansas.”

“I am honored to serve my adopted state and its varied and exciting arts communities,” said Crain. “I look forward to working with the commissioners and the staff to develop programs that enhance the arts in Kansas. We have a rich artistic heritage and vigorous traditions of participation in and appreciation of the arts. As the executive director of the Kansas Arts Commission, I hope to build upon and strengthen those traditions for future generations.”

A native of Los Angeles, Ms. Crain now resides in Manhattan with her husband, an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy at Kansas State University, and their two children. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in dance from UCLA and a master’s degree in arts administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. There she studied under Dolo Brooking, former education director of the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. Crain has served on a number of nonprofit boards, arts granting panels for government agencies and private foundations, and is a frequent guest speaker on issues relating to the arts in education and arts management.

Crain currently works as the assistant director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University where she focuses on raising funds for the arts and humanities. Previously, she was the director of educational initiatives for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the director of community programs for the Los Angeles Opera.