about Us
Encounters with the Arts offers a unique approach to cultural engagement, aiming to foster a deeper connection between the community and the arts. By actively involving community members through collaboration, interaction, and social discourse, these initiatives aim to create a more meaningful and enriching experience beyond passive consumption.
Joel M. Winston
Joel is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both music performance and production. Starting at the age of 13, he began playing the trumpet, quickly expanding his musical prowess to include the cello, violin, bass, and viola. Throughout high school and college, Joel was an active member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra, honing his skills across various musical genres and performance settings.
During college, Joel found a new passion behind the scenes, joining the band Wynd Chymes as a sound, lighting, and special effects engineer. This role allowed him to work closely with King-Shamwell-Davis Management, where he contributed to the production of live concerts and performances by some of the biggest names in Blues, R&B, and Funk during the late 1970s and early 80s.
After relocating to Southern California in 1983, Joel continued to pursue opportunities in the music industry, eventually touring with the legendary Harry Belafonte from 1989 to 1992. His work on these tours took him across the United States and Canada, where he played a pivotal role in managing sound, production, and logistics.
In 1997, Joel founded Urban Marketing Concepts in Columbus, Ohio, leveraging his musical expertise to provide marketing and sales services to arts organizations. This endeavor led to the creation of Arts Marketing Group, a firm that supported institutions such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, and Columbus Children’s Choir. His work included not only marketing but also managing merchandise sales for prominent guest artists and touring performers.
In addition to his professional work in the arts, Joel has volunteered as a sound and video engineer for numerous churches, ensuring high-quality audio-visual experiences during worship services and events.
Today, with decades of experience in music performance, production, and arts marketing, Joel is eager to contribute his expertise to performing arts organizations in Austin, TX, bringing together a lifetime of passion for music and the performing arts.
Joel M. Winston
Welcome to the Encounters With The Arts Blog
Here, we explore the transformative power of the arts—beyond the stage, the gallery, or the screen. Our blog delves into stories of creativity, community, and collaboration, offering insights into how artistic experiences shape lives and bring people together. From behind-the-scenes looks at innovative projects to reflections on the impact of artistic engagement, this space is dedicated to deepening our connection with the arts. Join us on this journey as we celebrate creativity, foster dialogue, and inspire meaningful encounters.
