The Kirkland Arts Center (KAC) has hired Kelly Dylla as its new executive director.

“Kelly brings a wealth of experience in cultural organization leadership to KAC,” the organization stated in a release.

Dylla’s experience in education and community engagement includes three years as vice president of education and community engagement for the Seattle Symphony.

“I am so excited to join the Kirkland Arts Center, already a thriving community where all are welcome to make art,” Dylla said. “In the years ahead, I look forward to creating an insatiable demand for the KAC experience. Whether you are a first time visitor to the gallery, a weekly participant in youth classes, or a long-time student, KAC invites you to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world through art.”

Dylla, who is originally from Austin, Texas, holds a Bachelor of Music from Rice University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business and the University of Michigan.

“We are incredibly impressed with Kelly’s experience, passion, and vision and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Kirkland Arts Center community,” KAC Board Chair Sue Bell said. “We very much look forward to working with Kelly, as we venture into this exciting new chapter for KAC.”

From 2000-2005, Dylla taught for the Lincoln Center Institute and New York Philharmonic in New York City, helping kids to “think like an artist.”

Dylla has also worked as the director of audience engagement with the Pacific Symphony in Orange County, Calif. where she produced the county-wide public art project “OC Can You Play?”, leading to more than 80 community performances throughout Orange County via online crowdsourcing tools.

The KAC is located at 620 Market Street in Kirkland. For more information about the KAC, call 425-822-7161.