The Bolton Arts Foundation
The Bolton Arts Foundation
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Empowering Students Through the Arts
Empowering Students Through the Arts
Welcome to the Bolton Arts Foundation, where we cultivate a vibrant synergy between the arts and academia. We champion the creation, presentation, and preservation of diverse and innovative art forms.
Our mission is to empower students, artists, arts organizations, and academic institutions through vital funding and resources. We're dedicated to seamlessly integrating the arts into education, research, and community engagement.
Discover unparalleled opportunities for students and the wider academic community to explore, engage with, and experience the transformative power of the arts. We aim to inspire the next generation of artists and arts leaders, enriching the lives of students, faculty, and the broader community.
Up Coming Events
Up Coming Events
Past Events
Past Events
The Bolton Arts Foundation Presents the Texas Premiere of "Looking for Chloe" at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
The Bolton Arts Foundation Presents the Texas Premiere of "Looking for Chloe" at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Dallas, TX – The Bolton Arts Foundation is proud to announce the Texas premiere of the acclaimed documentary "Looking for Chloe" on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. This one-night-only event marks the first time the film will be screened in the United States outside of a secular film festival, offering a rare opportunity for Dallas audiences to experience the life and legacy of Gaby Aghion, the visionary Jewish Egyptian woman who founded the iconic fashion house Chloé.
About the Film:
"Looking for Chloe" delves into the remarkable story of Gaby Aghion, whose groundbreaking approach to fashion revolutionized the industry by making high fashion accessible to women everywhere. Aghion's journey, from her origins in Egypt to her rise as a pioneering force in Parisian fashion, is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and cultural significance. The documentary has previously only been shown at Jewish film festivals, making this Dallas screening an extraordinary occasion for both fashion enthusiasts and the Jewish community.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Dallas, TX
Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/looking-for-chloe-tickets-951757701907?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
The event will begin with the screening of the documentary, followed by a reception featuring a curated exhibit of modernized Chloé looks styled by students from the Dallas College Fashion Marketing Program. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to see how Aghion's timeless designs continue to inspire contemporary fashion. After the screening of "Looking for Chloe," join us for a fireside chat featuring Kendel R. Bolton, Founder of The Bolton Arts Foundation, and Annette Becker, Director of the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas. This engaging discussion will delve into Gaby Aghion’s impact on the fashion industry, the legacy of Chloé, and the invaluable work of the Texas Fashion Collection archive in preserving fashion history. Don’t miss this opportunity for an intimate conversation about the powerful intersections of fashion, culture, and education!
Supporting Education and Community:
Proceeds from this event will support local internships at the Texas Fashion Collection and provide a partial scholarship to the Dallas College Fashion Marketing program. This initiative reflects The Bolton Arts Foundation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of fashion historians and innovators.
Event Sponsors:
This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including Dallas College - Fashion Marketing, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Patron Magazine, and the Dallas International Film Festival.
About The Bolton Arts Foundation:
The Bolton Arts Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history of fashion through film and educational initiatives. Since its inception, the foundation has hosted a series of successful documentary screenings, including the Texas premieres of "Calendar Girl" and "Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams."
Join Us:
This exclusive screening of "Looking for Chloe" is not only a celebration of fashion history but also a meaningful opportunity to support education and community initiatives. We invite you to be a part of this special event and experience the enduring legacy of Gaby Aghion.
Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams
Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams
April 6th at 6pm
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
The Bolton Arts Foundation is proud to present the screening of "Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams", a film directed by Luca Guadagnino, on April 6th at 6pm at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. The film is shown in support of the Texas Fashion Collection, historic garment archive at the University of North Texas and is sponsored by Dallas College – Fashion Marketing and John R. Conte.
The documentary tells the story of Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the most innovative shoe designers of the 20th century, and how he transformed his craft into an art form. Ferragamo's life journey from a humble shoemaker in Italy to becoming a sought-after designer for Hollywood stars, including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Joan Crawford, is a testament to his talent and hard work.
"We are excited to showcase 'Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams' to our community," said, President of The Bolton Arts Foundation. "The film highlights the power of creativity and passion in achieving greatness, and we believe it will inspire and educate our audience."
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Annette Becker, the Director of the Texas Fashion Collection, who will provide insights into the Ferragamo pieces in the TFC archive and how the TFC can help influence students in fashion industry programs as a free research tool.
The Bolton Arts Foundation is committed to promoting art and culture in our community, and we invite everyone to join us for this special event.
Tickets for the screening are available at Salvatore Eventbrite Page .
About The Bolton Arts Foundation:
The Bolton Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists in our community. Through exhibitions, events, and educational programs, we strive to promote cultural awareness and enrich the artistic experience of our audience.
SMU Women and LGBT Center and The Bolton Arts Foundation present "Visibility: Seeing is Believing" Exhibition
Dallas, TX - The SMU Women and LGBT Center is proud to announce its collaboration with The Bolton Arts Foundation in presenting the "Visibility: Seeing is Believing" exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the Hughes-Trigg Gallery 1911 (outside the ballroom) in the SMU Student Center and will run from April 17th through April 21st.
The "Visibility: Seeing is Believing" exhibition celebrates and highlights local queer artists and designers in various fields of study. This exhibition is intended to support the SMU Women and LGBT Center's Pride programming, with a focus on the importance of visible representation.
The exhibition aims to show the value of personal visibility and authenticity. By showcasing the work of these artists, the exhibition hopes to demonstrate to students and other viewers that there are members of their community following their dreams and living their authentic lives.
The opening reception for the exhibition will take place on April 17th from 5-7pm. The reception is open to the public and will include light refreshments. The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am-5pm on April 17th,18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st.
"We are thrilled to partner with The Bolton Arts Foundation in developing this exhibition for the SMU community," said Matthew Esparza, Coordinator for the SMU Women and LGBT Center. "We believe this exhibition is a valuable and meaningful addition to our Pride programming, and we hope that students and community members alike will come to see and appreciate the diverse talent on display."
To learn more about the exhibition and the artists involved please visit "Visibility: Seeing is Believing" Exhibition.
"Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams" screening in support of the Texas Fashion Collection
"Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams" screening in support of the Texas Fashion Collection
April 6th, 2023
The Bolton Arts Foundation will host a screening of the Salvatore Ferragamo documentary, "Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams" at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in support of the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, College of Art and Design.
The event is sponsored by "Future of Fashion" the Fashion Marketing & Design student organziation at El Centro College, raising funds for the Texas Fashion Collection.
To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salvatore-shoemaker-of-dreams-tickets-493361175557?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete
For sponosorships email: TheBoltonArtsFoundation@gmail.com
"Calendar Girl" screening in support of the
"Calendar Girl" screening in support of the
Texas Fashion Collection
Texas Fashion Collection
June 9th, 2022
The Bolton Arts Foundation hosted the Texas premiere of the Ruth Finley documentary, "Calendar Girl" at the Texas Theatre in support of the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, College of Art and Design.
The event sold out all 90 seats of the theatre and was sponsored by "Future of Fashion" the Fashion Marketing & Design student organziation at El Centro College, raising fourteen hundred dollars for the Texas Fashion Collection.
Founder
Founder
Kendel Bolton is a distinguished professional and a Full-Time Lecturer in the Fashion Management Graduate Program at Parsons The New School. With over two decades of experience, his career is marked by significant contributions in event management, donor development, and strategic relationship cultivation across academic and luxury retail sectors. Mr. Bolton's unique perspective, informed by his personal history, enriches his scholarly pursuits and advocacy, aligning seamlessly with the Bolton Arts Foundation's mission to foster dynamic partnerships between the arts and academia.
Mr. Bolton's academic contributions include his published work, "My previous life in drag," which appeared in Fashion, Style & Popular Culture (Volume 10, Issue 10th Anniversary Special Issue: 'Queer Style and Porn Chic', March 2023).This seminal autoethnographic piece explores his personal history with drag, scholarship, and life in the queer community, building upon the broader history of the LGBTQIA community. His graduate thesis was also featured in "Masculinities+ Inclusive Articulations and Practices in Fashion, Media and Popular Culture" , an anthology that delves into the evolving discourse of masculinity and inclusive practices. His expertise is further recognized through his role on the editorial board of Fashion, Style & Popular Culture and his curatorial research fellowship with The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection at Drexel University.
Beyond his academic roles, Mr. Bolton is a dedicated community advocate. In 2009, he was honored with the Horizon Award by the Cimarron Alliance Foundation at the Oklahoma History Museum for his impactful work with the HIV/AIDS community. This recognition followed his participation in a Public Service Announcement for AIDS.GOV, which focused on leveraging social media for community outreach in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As Chair of the Dallas College Fashion Marketing Academic Advisory Board for the El Centro campus and producer of an annual fashion documentary screening event supporting the Texas Fashion Collection where he was a graduate curatorial intern, he actively promotes the integration of arts into education and community engagement, inspiring the next generation of artists and arts leaders.
Leadership
Leadership
Lorenzo Bolton, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
A seasoned business leader with over 16 years of experience in the marketing industry, as a Business Unit Executive at IBM. Lorenzo's experience as a skilled financial professional with a proven track record of success in budget management and sales growth. With years of experience in the field, Lorenzo has developed a keen understanding of the financial aspects of running a successful organization. He is known for his ability to create and implement effective financial strategies that lead to growth and stability. In addition to his work at IBM, Lorenzo holds an MBA from SMU in Dallas, Texas.
Constance Crouch
Chief Operations Officer
Bringing 13 years of business communications With a degree from Texas State University, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As the Chief Operations Officer of the Bolton Arts Foundation, she will play a key role in ensuring the success of the organization. Constance has a proven track record of analyzing and developing new processes for major nonprofit organizations and leading hospitality businesses in Dallas/Fort Worth. With her strong analytical skills and experience in creating efficiencies, she is perfectly positioned to take the Bolton Arts Foundation to new heights.
Kevin Gomer
President
Kevin has over fifteen years of experience in the finance sector of government as well as a degree in International Business from Mount San Jacinto College. In addition to his extensive experience, he has also developed skills in strategy development, negotiations, and budget management. This makes him an ideal candidate for the position of President of the Bolton Arts Foundation. He brings a deep understanding of the business world and a passion for the arts to the organization. Which will enable him to effectively lead the organization in its mission to support the creative arts community.
Carmen Carter
Secretary
Carmen has more than 25 years of experience in data management and project management, and holds a degree in communications from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. Additionally, Carmen's role as Faculty Lead for the Fashion Marketing Department at Dallas College affords her a unique perspective that will prove valuable to the foundation. Through her extensive background and education, she has acquired the skills necessary to effectively manage projects and data for the foundation.
Executive Board
Executive Board
At The Bolton Arts Foundation, our Executive Board is committed to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and innovation within the arts community of Dallas, Texas. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and strive to provide opportunities for artists to thrive and for the public to engage meaningfully with creative expression. Our board works collaboratively to ensure that our programs, initiatives, and partnerships align with our mission to uplift and support local artists, while expanding access to the arts for all. Together, we are shaping a vibrant cultural future.
Dr. Joseph Hancock II, MS. Ph.D.
Dr. Joseph Hancock II, MS. Ph.D.
Joseph H. Hancock, II is an international authority on fashion branding as
a form of storytelling. He is known internationally for his scholarship on
cargo pants, LGBTQIA+ fashion and retail culture. He started in academia
after twenty years in the retailing industry having worked for such legendary
companies as The Gap, L. Brands and Target Corporation. He is the author of
the book Fashion Brand Stories (3rd ed., Bloomsbury, 2022) and the soon to be
Marketing Fashion: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (Fairchild and Bloomsbury, 2025).
For over a decade, Dr Hancock has been the principal editor of the peerreviewed
journal Fashion, Style & Popular Culture and has co-edited four books
with Intellect including Fashion in Popular Culture (2013), Cotton: Companies,
Fashion & The Fabric of Our Lives (2016), and Transglobal Fashion Narratives:
Clothing, Communication, Style Statements and Brand Storytelling (2018).
Palmer/Harding El Centro Alumni Creative Conversation
Palmer/Harding El Centro Alumni Creative Conversation
November 17th, 2022
The Bolton Arts Foundation assisted El Centro in producing a student centric creative conversation with Alumni Levi Palmer and his design partner Matthew Harding of the globally recognized clothing brand Plamer/Harding. The conversation was lead by famed model and producer Jan Strimple.
The event hosted over 70 students and industry professionals from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Students and faculty from The Art Institute of Dallas and the University of North Texas were in attendance to hear and meet the design duo.
Dickies Historic Garment Archival Project
Dickies Historic Garment Archival Project
March 16th - 20th, 2022
The Bolton Arts Foundation directed the digitization of historic archival garments from the American brand, Dickies. Working in collaberation with renowned photography and digital animation agency Ground Control to capture, understand and maintain the integrity of garments from the brand dating back over a century.
Together with the Dickies Archivist, we worked to properly handle and mount each garment while keeping in mind their fragility.
Texas Fashion Collection
Texas Fashion Collection
Mayfair Event
Mayfair Event
April 30th, 2022
The Bolton Arts Foundation assisted the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, College of Visual Arts and Design in executing a fundraising event centered around the production of an exhbition book supporting the recent, "Delight: Selections for the Texas Fashion Collection" exhibit at The Mayfair. The event was sponsored by the Texas Fashion Collection's "Giving Society" member Gordan Kendall. The event hosted alumni, UNT staff, contributors to the book, and new perspective donors.
Services
Services
The Bolton Arts Foundation offers a comprehensive suite of services to artists, cultural organizations, and academic institutions.
Project Consulting and Management
We collaborate closely with clients to develop robust project plans, identify and pursue funding opportunities, and oversee initiatives from conception through successful completion.
Donor Research
Our team conducts in-depth research on prospective donors and provides strategic recommendations to broaden an organization’s network and cultivate new relationships.
Fundraising Initiatives and Events
We design and execute a wide range of fundraising activities, including galas, auctions, benefit concerts, and integrated online and direct mail campaigns.
Process Analytics
Through performance analysis, key metrics tracking, and data-driven insights, we empower organizations to assess their operations and implement targeted improvements.
Curatorial Research
We undertake rigorous research on artists, movements, and thematic frameworks to inform exhibition planning and program development that align with each organization’s mission and vision.
Exhibition Mounting
Our exhibition services encompass the full spectrum of production, including coordination of artwork loans and transportation, exhibition design and installation, on-site technical support such as lighting design, art handling and security, and graphic design solutions.
Through these services, the Bolton Arts Foundation advances the creation, presentation, and preservation of diverse and dynamic artistic practices, while fostering meaningful connections between the arts, education, research, and community engagement.
Project Consulting and Management:
The Bolton Arts Foundation offers project consulting and management services to help artists, arts organizations, and academic institutions bring their creative visions to life. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a project plan, identify funding sources, and manage the project from start to finish.
Fundraising Initiatives and Events:
The Bolton Arts Foundation offers a variety of fundraising initiatives and events designed to engage donors and raise funds for your organization. We will work with you to create a customized fundraising plan that includes events such as galas, auctions, and benefit concerts, as well as online and direct mail campaigns.
Donor Research:
The Bolton Arts Foundation has a dedicated research team that specializes in identifying and researching potential donors. We will conduct a thorough analysis of your organization's donor base and provide recommendations for expanding your reach and developing new relationships.
Process Analytics:
The Bolton Arts Foundation is committed to helping organizations understand their operations and identify areas for improvement. We offer process analytics services that will help you analyze your organization's performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions.
Curatorial Research:
The Bolton Arts Foundation provides curatorial research services to help arts organizations and academic institutions develop exhibitions and programs that are both meaningful and engaging. Our team of experts will conduct research on artists, art movements, and themes relevant to your organization, and provide recommendations for exhibitions and programs that align with your mission and goals.
Exhibition Mounting:
The Bolton Arts Foundation offers exhibition mounting services to support the installation and presentation of exhibitions. We work with you to develop an exhibition plan, coordinate the loan and transportation of artworks, design the exhibition layout and installation, and provide on-site installation and deinstallation support. We also provide technical support such as lighting design, art handling and security, and graphic design services.
Values Statement
Values Statement
The Bolton Arts Foundation is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community through meaningful engagement with the arts. We hold a steadfast belief in the transformative power of artistic expression to enrich lives, bridge divides, and foster understanding among people from all walks of life.
We value the essential role of the arts in education and are committed to creating opportunities for individuals of every age and background to learn, grow, and discover their own creative voices.
We strive to provide platforms for community members to experience and participate in the arts while championing the work of artists and cultural organizations. By working in partnership and supporting one another, we endeavor to build a more dynamic, equitable, and inspired community for all.
Contact
Contact
TheBoltonArtsFoundation@gmail.com
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