Dollie McLean has been deeply involved in the arts since the 1960s. She co-founded Artists Collective in 1970 with her husband, renowned alto saxophonist, composer, educator, and community activist Jackie McLean, and three other local artists. The organization is a community-based, multi-arts cultural institution emphasizing the arts and culture of the African Diaspora. She has produced jazz, blues, and gospel concerts, theater productions, dance concerts, and visual art exhibits with associated master workshops for students and area schools. Dollie’s persistence and vision grew Artists Collective into a world force in art and culture and a prototype for urban arts organizations nationwide. Artists Collective was one of 15 organizations nationwide selected to receive the 2010 President’s Youth Arts and Humanities Award. Presented by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House, the award signifies the nation’s highest honor in youth arts education. The Collective was the only organization invited to perform at the ceremony.