Dee Sarno
Proponent of the Arts and Community Leader
Dolores “Dee” Sarno was born in North Shore Hills on Long Island, After high school Dee attended the School of Dramatic Arts in Roslyn, NY. She enjoyed some years working in community theatre and summer stock until she met and married her husband, AJ.
In 1987 Dee and AJ moved to Saratoga Springs. In 1988 she took a part-time job with the Saratoga County Arts Council working out of the Chamber of Commerce office and keeping the Arts Council office files in the trunk of her car. Dee believes that Saratoga Springs is a very special place. The sense of community and appreciation for the arts is pronounced here, and she has never lived in a community quite like Saratoga, she says. That has instilled confidence, and under her leadership the Arts Council undertook a $500,000 capital campaign to completely renovate the former library building. The Arts Council developed an art gallery, art classes and workshops, art grant programs for schools and county organizations and Art in Public Places exhibits. When Dee retired the Arts Center theatre was named the Dee Sarno Theatre by the board.
Dee has also been very active in the community, receiving numerous awards recognizing her achievements.
Dee’s dedication to the arts has enhanced Saratoga Springs as a cultural center. her love of the arts has enhanced life in our city. One of Dee’s favorite quotes about the arts is from actress Colleen Dewhurst: “The arts belong to all of us, whether we create the art or respond to it.”