Parker Arts helps provide access to arts, culture, history and science programs right here in our community. If you’ve ever attended a performance or taken a class at the PACE Center or The Schoolhouse, you’ve benefited from Parker Arts’ work in our Town.
Bernard Wooten, Graphic Design and Marketing Assistant for Parker Arts, helps market the many great cultural programs that our community offers to residents. Take a few minutes to learn more about who Bernard is and what he does for the Town of Parker.
How long have you worked for the Town of Parker? Where did you work before Parker?
"I’ve worked for the Town of Parker for nearly four years. Before working here, I was a full-time wedding and portrait photographer. I’ve photographed weddings domestically and internationally, including the Dominican Republic, Mexico and, most recently, Scotland. In addition to local dignitaries such as Gov. Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Mike Hancock, I’ve had the great honor of also meeting and photographing Condoleezza Rice, President George W. Bush, Madeleine Albright and even Ashton Kutcher."
Tell us about your job and how it impacts the Parker community.
"As the Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant for the PACE Center, my job is to increase awareness of Parker’s cultural, entertainment and educational offerings through a variety of print and digital advertisements. With a viewing audience that spans several areas including Denver, Aurora, and Douglas County, impactful ads are critical in bringing those citizens away from their local jurisdictions to the Town of Parker, where they can hopefully enjoy restaurants and shopping before/after a show or class."
What do you most enjoy about working for the Town of Parker?
"Swirls! ... Uhh, I mean I really enjoy the people! I love the people I work and interact with from PACE, Town Hall and Old Town Hall. Taking part in the Employee Appreciation events also allows me to meet staff from other buildings and departments, which would be hard to do otherwise. The Town of Parker really does feel like family."
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
"Growing up, I was totally into computer programming and figuring out how stuff worked. I didn’t know I had a creative bone in my body until college. Since I always dissected my electronic toys to see how they worked, my mom figured I should be an engineer. After college, I started playing around with some old presentation software at my first job. Two years later, I was running the company’s first graphics department – which I managed for five years."
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
"What’s free time?"
What’s one thing that you feel sets Parker apart from other communities?
"The one thing that sets Parker apart from other communities is what I call “Parker Pride.” Everyone in Parker seems to have a great sense of pride in where they live and work. Shaun Albrechtson, Assistant Cultural Director for Programs, recently told me that the PACE Center was built with the idea that local residents would have a strong and active presence in the performances there. From the symphony and chorale to the ever-growing cast in musical performances, the people of Parker have a lot to be proud of."
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
"I would have to say that Iceland is the most interesting place I’ve ever visited."
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
"Good friends."
If you could do another job for the Town of Parker for just one day, what would it be?
"I would love to work within the Police Department. I’m not even sure in what capacity, but I really admire their dedication to protecting and serving the community."
What’s one thing about working for the Town of Parker that you didn’t expect?
"I didn’t expect the Finance and HR departments to be so darn funny! :o)"