Kimbell Fortson Wynne, left, and Kay Kimbell Carter Fortson
Kimbell Fortson Wynne has been elected as president of the Kimbell Art Foundation Board of Directors, effective June 1.
The foundation owns and operates Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum. Wynne has served on the foundation’s board for over 27 years and is the eldest daughter of Kay Kimbell Carter Fortson, the current president and chairman, and Ben J. Fortson, the vice president and chief investment officer. Kay Fortson will continue to serve the foundation as its chairman.
“Kimbell Wynne has long dedicated herself to the advancement of the Kimbell Art Foundation, which is fortunate to have her as its new board president,” said Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum. “During her tenure on the Kimbell’s board, she has played important leadership roles in the development of the new Piano Pavilion, in countless exhibitions and acquisitions, and in the expansion of community programs and Museum services. She is an excellent leader, and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
Wynne has continued the tradition established by her family of involvement in the growth and enhancement of the arts in Fort Worth. She is a trustee of the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth and a former trustee of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Wynne previously served on the board of directors of the Van Cliburn Foundation Inc., and of the Texas Ballet Theater where she sat on the executive committee. She is a former board member of Cook Children’s Hospital and a trustee of Texas Christian University, from which she graduated.
Fortson is the niece, namesake and sole heir of Kay Kimbell, the benefactor of the Kimbell Art Museum. Fortson grew up in Fort Worth surrounded by art and culture. She attended the Hockaday School and then the University of Texas, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956. Upon graduation, she became a director of the Kimbell Art Foundation; she was named its president in 1975. Kay and her husband Ben were instrumental in carrying out Kay Kimbell’s dream “to build a museum of the first class.” The resulting Kimbell Art Museum – its inspirational Kahn-designed building, new Renzo Piano Pavilion and acclaimed collection – is recognized the world over for the strength of both its collection and its architecture.