Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed Jean M. Dorton, Community and Legislative Liaison at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, to the governing board of the Kentucky Arts Council to serve for the unexpired term of Larry May, Benham, who has resigned and will serve for the remainder of the term ending February 1, 2006.

Dorton served on Governor Ernie Fletcher's transition team and was a former Paintsville City Council member. She currently serves on the Morehead State University Board of Regents, the executive committee of PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment), and is a member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Ms. Dorton has also served on the boards of the Kentucky Folk Art Center, the East Kentucky Concert Series and the Kentucky Apple Festival.

The authority of the Kentucky Arts Council is vested in a volunteer citizen board of 16 members appointed to four-year rotating terms by the Governor. Council members meet regularly in sessions open to the public to set policy and approve expenditures. Current board members are Robert E. Gable, Chair, Frankfort; Everett D. McCorvey, Vice-Chair, Lexington; Stephanie C. Bateman, Louisville; Thomas H. Bonny, Irvine; Nancy S. Cooper, Ft. Thomas; Mary Michael Corbett, Louisville; Jean M. Dorton, Paintsville; Paul E. Fourshee, Cadiz; Jo G. Marshall, Somerset; Ann Duggins Schell, Louisville; Pamela Papka Sexton, Lexington; Gregory S. Shumate, Fort Mitchell, Kathleen Smith, Louisville; Janrose Tunnell, Richmond; Roanne H. Victor, Louisville; James R. Voyles, Louisville.

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The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.