Member Spotlight: Kate Garber
PRSA Richmond member Kate Garber is the marketing and communications manager for the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, a non-profit art center in the Fan. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2015 with a degree in media studies.
How long have you been a member of PRSA? What role do you have in the chapter this year?
I got involved with PRSA shortly after I moved to Richmond a few years ago. I joined the board this year to help coordinate the judging for the Virginia PR Awards.
Tell us how VisArts is adapting and what your biggest challenges are right now. Any surprise positives happen as a result of these changes?
VisArts temporarily closed its doors due to COVID-19 on Friday, March 13 to everyone including staff, but we’re staying busy even though our building is closed! We released a special catalog of online art classes in a variety of media and we’ve just started selling at-home Take + Make Kits in collaboration with Plaza, a local art supply store.
We’re also staying active on social media where we’re sharing artist demos on IGTV, at-home art and writing project ideas, mask making resources and posts that celebrate the ways that people are exploring the visual arts in this time of social distancing. We miss getting to see our creative community at work in all 18 of our professional studio spaces, but VisArts teachers and students have been incredibly supportive and engaged. It’s been amazing to see how people in Richmond are adapting and keeping up with their creative hobbies at home or picking up new, creative hobbies!
Tell us about your home workplace set up.
For the most part, I’m working from my dining room table, which is a 19th century English farm table that I just bought secondhand from a friend. I’m in love with it because it has so much history and brings lots of personality to our space! When I need a change of scenery, I migrate to the living room to work in a comfy armchair.
What is working for you to remain productive and innovative in your work life right now?
A shower and coffee are the two essential parts of my morning routine. I don’t feel productive or ready for the day unless I get up and get ready as if I’m heading off to work. When lunchtime rolls around, I like to take a break to make a meal for myself or go on a walk.
How are you staying entertained while social distancing?
My fiancé and I adopted a kitten in February, so he’s been a great source of entertainment during this period of social distancing! I’ve also been watching lots of Bon Appétit YouTube videos, inventing smoothie bowl recipes, watching movies, spending time outside and having virtual trivia nights with family/friends.
