Our Team
CultureWorks is led by a small team dedicated to driving a vibrant community through arts and culture for the Richmond and Tri-Cities region.
SCOTT GARKA, President
804.340.5280 ext. 2
scott@richmondcultureworks.org
Scott joined CultureWorks in 2015, with a diverse history of nonprofit and corporate leadership experience and a reputation for driving results through collaborations. Scott is deeply involved with the Richmond Region’s arts and culture community serving in the past as Board Member, Development Chair, and Treasurer for the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. When he’s not working, he can be heard singing with the Richmond Men’s Chorus, or enjoying a show, occasionally performing, at some of our incredible local theater companies.
ERIN FRYE, Director of Programs & Outreach
804.340.5280 ext. 3
erin@richmondcultureworks.org
Erin joined CultureWorks in 2019 with significant experience in marketing, outreach, and special events. She previously led marketing efforts for the Richmond Symphony, managed VIP retention events with Capital One, and led volunteer recruitment and outreach efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Erin has a B.A. in Public Relations from JMU and is motivated by elevating people and communities. Her travels as a volunteer musician have spanned from Africa to Europe, and across North America. She is also an RVA-based singer-songwriter, the founder of Gals for a Cause, and a Teaching Artist/Performer in SPARC’s inclusive LIVE ART program.
CANDRA PARKER, Director of Grant Programs & Development
804.340.5280 ext. 1
candra@richmondcultureworks.org
Candra joined CultureWorks in 2019 with over 20 years of professional fund development and grant experience. She has previously worked for local, regional and national non-profits such as the Neighborhood Resource Center, Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United Negro College Fund. Candra is a passionate and mission-driven servant leader with an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.A. from the University of Virginia. In addition, she is a quilt and textile artist. She is founder of Sisters of the Yam African American Quilters Guild and a founding member of the Central Virginia Modern Quilt Guild. Her work has been featured in exhibits at the Black History Museum and Culture Center of Virginia, the Virginia Quilt Museum and the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.
MARY CLAY WATT, Communications & Marketing Specialist
804.340.5280 ext. 0
mary.clay@richmondcultureworks.org
Mary Clay joined CultureWorks in 2018. Mary Clay oversees the arts and culture calendar as well as manages social media for CultureWorks and artoberVA. Mary Clay returned to her hometown after graduating from Christopher Newport University in 2017 and is excited to experience all that Richmond has to offer. A passionate theater kid during high school, the arts hold a special place in her heart. Mary Clay likes to take advantage of the talented theater scene in Richmond or check out the latest festival with friends.
Our Board of Directors
current members
Frazier Millner Armstrong, Managing Partner, Armstrong Partners
Jonathan Baliles, Community Volunteer
Kenya Blake (Chair), Leading Developer, Manufacturer, and Marketer of Tobacco Products (Altria)
Sherman V. Burroughs IV, Customer Segment Consultant, Bank
of America
Pam Martin Comstock*, President, Gilbert C. Martin Company
Juan Conde, Anchor/Reporter, 8 News/WRIC-TV
Sara Cowherd*, President, FM Solutions
Don Garber, Chairman, Kjellstrom & Lee
Professor James B Gates, Jr., Virginia State University Director of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program
Thomas S. Gay, Head Crabber, Blue Crab Investors LLC
Scott Hammer, Principal Consultant, Impact Makers
Dr. W. Weldon Hill, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Virginia State University Department of Music
D. Brennen Keene, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
Jenni Kirby, Owner, Crossroads Art Center
Justin Laughter, Attorney, Threshold Counsel, PC
Blake O'Brien (Secretary), Director - Sustainability, Governance and Engagement, Dominion Energy
Charles Piper, Principal, Quinn Evans Architects
Daphne Maxwell-Reid, Entrepreneur
Dr. E. Gaynell Sherrod, Chair, Dept. of Dance & Choreography, VCUarts
Jessica Simmons, Owner, River City Tattoo and Dermaklenz
Brooks Smith, Partner, Troutman Sanders, LLP
Lisa Streat (Past Chair), Senior VP, Private Client Services, Capital Bank
Marcia Thalhimer, Community Volunteer
Greg Williams (Treasurer), Advisory Senior Manager, EY
Jerry Williams*, Owner, TVJerry and SIFTER
*ex-officio, non-voting members
EMERITUS MEMBERS
Rejena Carreras • David Christian • Michael Falzone • Gordon Fruetel • Charlotte Minor • James Rothrock • Geoffrey Sisk • Brock Vaughn
Sample Internal Communication
Join us in celebrating the vibrant arts and culture scene this October as a proud sponsor of artoberVA 2024!
Presented by CultureWorks, artoberVA is dedicated to increasing community participation in arts and culture events while shining a spotlight on the artists, organizations, and venues that make the Richmond and Tri-Cities region a creative hub.
This October, CultureWorks is showcasing over 1,000 experiences from more than 100 local artists and arts organizations. Spanning all genres—whether it’s theatre, dance, visual arts, or museums—there’s something for everyone. artoberVA encourages residents and visitors to immerse themselves in these diverse activities, supporting our region’s thriving creative ecosystem while forging meaningful connections with the community. It’s the perfect chance to explore something new and perhaps discover a lifelong passion!
All-Access to Arts: Pay-What-You-Will (PWYW)
A highlight of this year’s theme, “All-Access: Empowerment through Expression,” is the introduction of Pay-What-You-Will (PWYW) events. This initiative allows participants to enjoy performances, classes, and more at a price point that fits their budget, making arts and culture more accessible to everyone. CultureWorks is excited to collaborate with organizations offering PWYW events, ensuring inclusive participation across the region.
Please note that each event is independently organized by the participating organizations, which manage all planning, ticketing, and event logistics. For specific details or inquiries, reach out directly to the respective organizing organizations.
Discover more, browse the calendar, and start planning your artoberVA experience at www.artoberVA.com. Follow @artoberVA on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #artoberVA to share your experiences!
Download logos, graphics, and social media templates here.