"Art and culture are the wings of a nation, propelling it forward through imagination, reflection, and innovation." — Barack Obama
Hello, we are The Canton Culture Collective. Our mission is to inspire, promote and connect local arts & culture in Stark County, Ohio and beyond.
What:
We are leveraging our love of both the arts and our Stark County community to help local organizations and businesses grow and succeed.
How:
Utilizing our “collective” passion and networks, we provide awareness, exposure and publicity to arts and culture organizations as ambassadors of the arts through organized promotional efforts.
Why:
We believe in the arts and culture of Stark County. Combining our efforts to shine a spotlight on them for the betterment of our community is important to us. We belie e this is a great investment and a way to contribute to the economic, social and political development of our community.
Kind Words
“The Canton Symphony Orchestra is honored to collaborate with and be supported by the Canton Culture Collective. In an impressively short time, the CCC has established itself as an impactful, intentional and deeply invested collective of individuals dedicated to serving our Stark County community. The support CCC has provided to the CSO is a priceless and vital gift, strengthening our fundraising events and making them both relevant and genuinely enjoyable. We are deeply grateful for your time, talent, generosity and authenticity—thank you.”
– Nathan Maslyk, Director of Marketing & Development for the Canton Symphony Orchestra
“We are grateful for Canton Culture Collective’s support in helping with the collaboration between Patina Arts Centre and EN-RICH-MENT. In July 2024, CCC hosted a kick-off event for the African American Arts Festival at Patina Arts Centre. Their assistance with catering and media coverage contributed to fostering community engagement and creating a memorable experience for our audience during the exhibit while supporting several small businesses along the way.”
– Alaska Thompson, Founder of Patina Arts Centre
“By building with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio during this year’s Women Build, the Canton Culture Collective not only helped a local family build their home but also a foundation of strength, stability and self-reliance that will last. Their dedication to inspiring, promoting, and connecting local arts and culture fuels their efforts to strengthen our community, and we’re grateful for the passion and commitment they brought to the worksite to help create a brighter future for all.“
– Beth Lechner, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio
“The Canton Culture Collective has been a dynamic force in strengthening our organization’s connection to the local arts community. Their guidance and expertise have provided invaluable direction as we strive to engage and uplift creative voices in Stark County. We look forward to deepening this partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and cultural enrichment.“
– Thomas West, CEO, Greater Stark County Urban League
The Collective Members
Lindsay Zimmerman
Founder/Leadership Committee
Lindsay is a dedicated community champion who actively volunteers her time and leadership across several nonprofit organizations. She currently serves on the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital, Patina Arts Centre Board, She Elevates Advisory Board, and the Canton Symphony League. Guided by her passion for helping others thrive, she also recently earned her certification as a Life Coach.
Outside of her philanthropic work, Lindsay loves traveling, playing tennis, soaking up summer lake life, hosting friends, and enjoying the outdoors with her family. Her greatest joy—and occasional challenge—comes from raising her teenage daughter, who keeps life fun and full.
Lindsay is proud to be part of the Canton Culture Collective, drawn to its mission of uniting diverse voices to strengthen arts and culture in the community. Her favorite moments are those built through collaboration, such as partnering with the Canton Symphony for their sold-out “Songs in the Sky” event and participating in a Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity to help create a home for a local family. She believes deeply in the power of community connection and feels grateful to live in a place where people truly care.
Kasie Travaglione
Leadership Committee
Kasie Travaglione is a passionate community advocate who believes deeply in the power of connection, culture, and opportunity. A procurement professional by day and volunteer leader by heart, she serves on the Advisory Board of She Elevates, empowering young girls to explore entrepreneurship and discover their own potential. She is also a founding member and leader within the Canton Culture Collective, helping champion arts, creativity, and the diverse voices that make our community thrive.Kasie’s commitment to service is rooted in her upbringing in the tight-knit small town of North Benton, Ohio, where everyone pitched in and cared for one another. After spending the last 20 years living in and around Canton, she continues to pour that small-town heart into a city she proudly calls home.Outside of volunteering and her career in global procurement, Kasie’s greatest joy is her family — her husband and two sports-loving boys who keep her cheering in the stands more nights than not. She also loves traveling, staying active, enjoying time with friends, and seeing the world through both curiosity and gratitude.For Kasie, the Canton Culture Collective reflects exactly what she values most: people coming together to lift the community, highlight the arts, and make sure everyone feels welcome at the table — or the stage, or the gallery, or the neighborhood festival.Fun fact: Although her heart belongs to Ohio, her heritage traces back to the Canton of Bern, Switzerland — making “Canton pride” a part of her story long before she ever knew it.
Darla Brown
Leadership Committee
Darla Brown serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Membership at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she champions local businesses and helps strengthen the heartbeat of the region’s economy. Her passion for community extends far beyond her day-to-day work — Darla is deeply involved in several nonprofit organizations, including the Foundation for Community Betterment (national and local boards), Aultman Women’s Board, the Canton Regional Chamber Health Fund, and proudly, the Canton Culture Collective.Born and raised in Stark County, Darla ventured away for college and a few early-career years before returning home — where her commitment to helping the community thrive continues to grow. She resides in Plain Township with her husband, Scott, and their three nearly-grown children: Alex, Zach, and Maya.Darla believes the Canton Culture Collective shines a vibrant spotlight on the arts and culture that make our community unique. From creating inspiring experiences to introducing new audiences to the creative talent across Stark County, she loves being part of a group that supports the arts in meaningful, engaging, and impactful ways.Fun Fact: Over 50 million people have seen Darla’s basement! She and her husband run a Lego-focused small business with a social media following that reaches audiences around the world — proof that creativity truly builds strong connections.
Ashley Harwell
Leadership Committee
Art is at the heart of Ashley Harwell’s world. As co-owner of Cyrus Custom Framing & Art Gallery with her husband, Christian, she helps bring extraordinary custom framing, artist showcases, and creative community engagement to Stark County. Their gallery continues to champion local talent and contribute to the region’s thriving arts ecosystem.Before becoming a full-time arts entrepreneur, Ashley built an impressive career in nonprofit leadership as a professional fundraiser — raising millions of dollars nationwide to support hunger relief efforts and housing initiatives. Her passion for community impact ultimately drew her deeper into the arts when she served as Development Director for the Canton Museum of Art until 2021, further strengthening her commitment to Stark County’s creative future.Ashley’s strong community connections and belief in the transformative power of the arts inspired her to become a Founding Member of the Canton Culture Collective. She has witnessed firsthand how the arts foster connection, preserve culture, and keep the fabric of a community strong. Ashley is excited to help lead the CCC’s continued growth, working to advocate for and elevate arts and culture opportunities for all who call Stark County home.
Chris Auman
Website, Marketing, PR and Technology
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Chris Auman is the Founder and President of Sanctuary – A Digital Marketing Group, where his team leads strategy, digital execution, and website design for organizations looking to grow their business with digital marketing. With more than 30 years of experience across marketing and business management, Chris has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, creative problem-solving, and helping companies grow with purpose.Chris serves on the board of ArtsInStark whose mission is to use the arts to advance community goals around economic development, tourism, well-being and education, in order to make Stark County a thriving and vibrant region.
A true multi-hyphenate creator, Chris is also an abstract artist, photographer, musician, and designer. He’s been playing drums since the age of seven and remains a devoted lover of music—with a particular fondness for 80s hair bands, hard rock, guitar-driven blues, and classic rock. When he’s not in creative mode, you’ll often find him cooking, cycling, exploring local trails, diving into business and history books, or tackling a new home improvement project on his ever-growing list. Chris has proudly called North Canton home for decades. He lives with his wife, their three children, and Sofie—their spirited dog who ensures he gets his daily walks. He and his family are also enthusiastic supporters of their local sports teams.As a business owner and lifelong artist, Chris understands the essential role arts and culture play in enriching Stark County and fueling the creativity that strengthens communities and businesses alike. Through the Canton Culture Collective, he is committed to inspiring, promoting, and connecting people to the artistic heartbeat of the region—doing his part to make the creative community thrive.
Shelley Booher
Special Events Committee
Shelley Booher finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family, friends, and beloved grandchildren. Whether she’s walking through the sunshine, tending to her flower beds, swimming, or playing tennis, she embraces the outdoors and the simple moments that make life feel full. Born and raised in Louisville, Ohio, where her family has lived for generations, Shelley has proudly called Canton home for the past eight years.A successful entrepreneur, Shelley is most proud of her self-reliance and her ability to build businesses that allow her to thrive while creating the gift of time — time for family, for growth, and for giving back. Her love of connecting with people and supporting impactful organizations led her to join the Canton Culture Collective, where she is energized by the mission of celebrating and strengthening arts and culture throughout Stark County.As a new member of the CCC, Shelley is excited to continue exploring all the inspiring work happening across the community. She’s especially looking forward to future collaborations such as the Balloon Lift Off partnership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce — a vibrant and uplifting celebration she can’t wait to help bring to life.Shelley believes deeply in the importance of community, connection, and creativity — and is proud to be part of a group helping to build a brighter cultural future for Stark County.
Dennis Galbreath
Marketing, PR and Technology Committee
Dennis is a passionate marketing professional and lifelong Stark County resident who spends much of his time growing in his career, attending community events, and surrounding himself with friends and family. He fills his schedule with opportunities that enrich his professional journey and deepen his involvement in the community he loves. From Chamber gatherings to First Friday celebrations and countless arts and cultural experiences, staying engaged in all things Canton is part of who he is.
Dennis joined the Canton Culture Collective because he believes Stark County has so much to offer—especially to those who appreciate and support the arts. The most valuable part of the CCC, to him, is the organization’s ability to connect business and community leaders with the hidden gems of the region, from small local galleries to inspiring creative spaces.
He looks forward to strengthening collaborations with arts organizations through VIP events, fundraising efforts, and innovative programming. Dennis is confident the CCC is on its way to becoming a go-to resource for arts and culture in the community.
Fun fact: Dennis is color blind—so while he loves art, he definitely sees it through a unique lens!
Kristy Gnandt
Events and Special Projects Committee
Kristy has spent the past two decades building a life rooted in family, community, and meaningful service. She and her husband of 20 years live in Green with their two children, Delaney and Finn, who keep the family happily on the move with their active sports and extracurricular schedules. As PTA President at Green Middle School, Kristy remains deeply connected to the school community and passionate about supporting local families.Originally from Canfield, Ohio, Kristy graduated in 2000 and went on to attend The University of Akron on a full-ride basketball scholarship. During college, she met her husband—then a member of UA’s soccer team—and the two have called Green home since 2006. A fun claim to fame: Kristy and her father are the only father-daughter duo to play basketball for the University of Akron.Kristy first became involved with Heart Guild in 2019–2020, and after pandemic disruptions, she was excited to help shape what eventually became the Canton Culture Collective. She loves how the CCC brings nonprofits, restaurants, and businesses together to create meaningful community impact and shine a light on the best of Stark County. From promoting local events to partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Kristy has found fulfillment in every project that strengthens local connections.Outside of volunteering, she enjoys making memories with family and friends—whether entertaining at home, staying active, cooking up something new, or exploring fresh destinations. Looking ahead, Kristy is eager to continue uplifting nonprofits in the region and hopes to deepen engagement with local schools as part of her ongoing commitment to community growth.
Jules Yang
Programs, Community Outreach, Volunteer and Fundraising Committee
Dr. Jules Yang is a board-certified OBGYN at Stark Women’s Center and proudly serves as the OBGYN Clerkship Director for NEOMED’s third-year medical students, as well as on the leadership board of the Aultman OBGYN Residency Program. A true Canton native, Jules was born at Aultman Hospital and has remained deeply connected to the health and vitality of the community ever since.Alongside her full-time medical career, Jules is passionate about engaging with the greater Canton community through arts, culture, and connection. Growing up in the early 2000s, she never could have imagined Downtown Canton blossoming into the vibrant creative hub it is today. Now, she’s committed to supporting that momentum — helping ensure that art, music, and history continue to thrive for residents and visitors alike.Jules loves that the Canton Culture Collective brings together people who believe in the power of creativity to uplift and unite. Some of her favorite experiences include participating in the inaugural Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity — where she helped install the first floor of a future family home — and supporting musical performances featuring Anya Van Rose and the Canton Symphony. She also proudly champions organizations like EN-RICH-MENT Arts & Education Center, whose work empowers local youth and showcases incredible talent (including a drumline she’s especially fond of).Whether advocating for patients, cheering on local artists, or helping foster a welcoming cultural atmosphere downtown, Jules is driven by a desire to make her community stronger, healthier, and more connected. And one more thing — if you’re not ready for a perfectly honest answer, she’s not the one to ask!
Chris Lewis
Operations and Finance Committee
Chris Lewis is a proud Canton native and McKinley High School graduate whose lifelong curiosity has taken him through a uniquely creative and analytical career path. With academic studies spanning Creative Writing, Accounting, and Computer Science, Chris believes strongly in exploring all facets of learning — even when numerology turns out not to be Accounting, and robots remain a future threat best monitored closely.Today, Chris resides in Canton with his very human children, where he is passionate about supporting the city’s artistic growth and cultural vibrancy. He joined the Canton Culture Collective to help preserve and advance creative freedom in the community — ensuring that art, music, and meaningful expression continue to thrive for generations to come.Chris values how the CCC engages new audiences through exciting cultural collaborations, from celebrating local musicians and arts organizations to volunteering together at events like the Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity and community arts showcases. He is proud to work alongside fellow members who believe, as he does, that creativity strengthens connection — and that robots could never do what artists do.When he’s not supporting the arts, Chris can be found spending time with his family, embracing new learning rabbit holes, and championing the future of Canton’s cultural landscape. Capricorn by birth, community advocate by choice — he is committed to helping Stark County shine.
Kay DePew
Programs, Community Outreach, Volunteer and Fundraising Committee
Kay DePew is an experimental performing artist with deep roots in Canton, Ohio. Though she now resides in Akron, Kay was born and raised in Canton and remains strongly connected to the city’s vibrant cultural identity. A former Miss Akron, she has long embraced the spotlight not only to perform, but to uplift and engage the communities around her.Kay is a proud member of the Canton Culture Collective, drawn to its mission of uniting a diverse network of people through shared experiences in the arts, volunteerism, and fundraising. She loves the energy that comes from bringing new faces into Canton’s creative spaces and celebrating the talent that makes Stark County special.One of Kay’s favorite experiences with the CCC has been collaborating with Habitat for Humanity — a powerful reminder that when many hands join together, they build more than homes; they build community. She looks forward to continuing to support partnerships and projects that spark connection, creativity, and collective impact across the region.
Tiffany Marsh
Events and Special Projects Committee
Tiffany is a full-time psychotherapist at Aultman Behavioral Health, where she is dedicated to supporting emotional wellness and empowering individuals on their personal journeys. A proud Canton native, she has long been actively involved in the community and continues to uplift others through both her professional work and creative expression as an artist — and, of course, through her favorite role as a mom.Her passion for people and creativity naturally connects with the mission of the Canton Culture Collective. Tiffany believes strongly in the power of art and culture to build belonging, spark healing, and bring joy to the community. Through the CCC, she has loved seeing how shared experiences strengthen relationships — whether volunteering side-by-side at the Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity, celebrating local talent at Canton Symphony events like Songs in the Sky, or cheering on rising musicians at EN-RICH-MENT performances and First Friday meetups.Tiffany is proud to be part of a collective that not only shines a spotlight on the incredible creative work happening in Stark County, but also works intentionally to expand access so that everyone feels welcome — supported in self-expression, connected to one another, and inspired to experience the arts in new ways.
Dave Snyder
Marketing, PR and Technology
Dave Snyder is a creative professional who lives and works in downtown Canton, where he enthusiastically supports the arts, culture, and community vibrancy that make the city unique. Originally from Sebring, Ohio, Dave made downtown Canton his home in 2019 and quickly became immersed in the local creative scene. He is passionate about social events that highlight artistic talent—from theater and museums to live music, concerts, and the city’s ever-growing cultural experiences.Dave brings his energy and leadership to numerous causes across Stark County and beyond. He currently serves on the board for Community Harvest, a prepared-food rescue program of the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, as well as the board of Bring Your Song, a nonprofit supporting local musicians and songwriters. He is also the current president of the Hall of Fame chapter of AmSpirit Business Connections. Driven by empathy and advocacy, Dave founded a support group for survivors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder, which has grown to nearly 800 members and hosts bi-weekly virtual meetings with active participation.With past volunteer involvement in events such as Vintage Canton and Canton Blues Fest, Dave is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves to celebrate—and elevate—local culture. One of his favorite CCC memories includes the One Year Gala, though he’s equally energized by the unforgettable First Friday meetups and arts crawls.When he’s not supporting local creatives, Dave can be found staying active through fitness, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and cycling. He’s also a board game enthusiast, self-proclaimed foodie, and a lover of good coffee and cocktails.Dave believes the Canton Culture Collective is a natural extension of his passions: showcasing the immense creative talent in the community while inspiring others to explore and engage with the arts Canton has to offer.
Leah Michalos
Cultural Outreach Committee
Katie Plakas
Programs, Community Outreach, Volunteer and Fundraising Committee
Nicole Certo
Special Events Committee
Not pictured:
- Maria Bennett (Cultural Outreach Committee)
- Andrea Company (Programs, Community Outreach, Volunteer and Fundraising Committee)
- Sandy Doll (Events and Special Projects Committee)
- Joanna Escobar (Cultural Outreach Committee)
- Adam Hoover (Operations and Finance Committee)
- Nikolina Karovski (Events and Special Projects Committee)
- Jeffrey Kishman (Cultural Outreach Committee)
- Cheryle Paxos (Events and Special Projects Committee)
- Jen Spring (Cultural Outreach Committee)
- Alaska Thompson (Programs, Community Outreach, Volunteer and Fundraising Committee)
Lindsey Zimmerman
Founder
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Darla Brown
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Next Person Here
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