The Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Awards

As the executive director of the Anderson County Arts Center, Kimberly Spears demonstrates her dedication to the arts in numerous ways. For more than 20 years, Spears has utilized her innovative programming and inventive artistic collaborations to advocate the arts. She works to promote arts in education programs in Anderson County, and creates numerous opportunities each year for artists to promote, exhibit and sell their artwork through juried shows, galleries and exhibits.

In addition to ensuring opportunities for area artists, she informs local community leaders and area business people about how the arts impact a community's economy and enrich the lives of its citizens. Under Spears' direction, the Arts Center has grown in both membership and size. Continuously voted as one of the top arts leaders in Anderson County, she was presented the “Pointing the Way” Award by the Anderson-Independent newspaper in 2005. She was also the first individual to receive the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce's “Non-Profit Director of the Year” award. She is currently a member of the Winthrop University Alumni Board, SC Arts Alliance, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership South Carolina.