Bios

Charlotte Mashyna
Charlotte Mashyna joined the Arts Council as Executive Director in 1999 after serving on the Board of Trustees in various capacities since the early 1990’s.Under Char’s direction, the Arts Council has grown in both size and scope, administering arts funding and advocacy to multiple counties throughout Pennsylvania.

Char has her BA in History from Wheaton College in Norton, MA. Prior to joining the Arts Council, Char was Vice President of the Private Client Group for National City.

M. Holly Nowak
Holly Nowak was named Arts in Education Director with responsibilities for the 12 county Arts in Education Partnership in June of 2004. Prior to being named to her current position, Holly was the Regrant Coordinator for the Arts Council of Erie and served as a Directory Artist with the Arts in Education Partnership.

Holly has both her Bachelor of Fine Art and Masters of Art from Edinboro University.

Zachary Flock
Zach coordinates programs including PA Partners in the Arts, a grant funded by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Additionally, Zach oversees the Erie Arts Endowment, distributing grants to Erie arts projects twice a year, and works on allocation of the United Arts Fund.

Zach works closely with our member organizations, helping the Arts Council provide leadership, financial support, education and advocacy to the arts.

Prior to joining the Arts Council, Zach served as education coordinator at the historic Apple Hill Playhouse in Delmont, PA, organizing the 2006 Summer Theatre School. He also spent three years as a manager at WERG-FM, Gannon University’s radio station, where he served terms as news director, program director, and general manager. Originally from New Stanton, PA, outside of Pittsburgh, Zach came to Erie in 2001 to study at Gannon University. He received a B.A. in Theatre and Communication Arts in 2005.

Local theatre fans may recognize Zach from his many roles at Gannon’s Schuster Theatre, the Shakespeare Summer Nights festivals, and several performances at the Erie Playhouse. A lifelong fan of the arts, Zach is excited to be working at the Arts Council of Erie, and happy to be a part of the Erie arts community.

Mary Lou McCall
After three years at the Arts Council as office assistant and office manager, Mary Lou assumed the role of program associate, working on the United Arts Fund Drive and special events, such as the annual Business/Arts reception.

Mary Lou is an active volunteer with the Ophelia Project, St. George Catholic Church, and the Girl Scouts.

Michelle Martin
Michelle Martin joined the Arts Council staff as the Assistant in the Arts in Education Program in October of 2005.

Michelle studied Vocal Performance at the D’Angelo School of Music for three years prior to her studies in Communications Arts at Mercyhurst College. She is currently finishing up her bachelors in Fine Arts and Communications Arts at Gannon University.

In addition to work and school, Michelle is busy with her five children and also squeezes time in to perform locally with the Presque Isle Chorale and the Erie Opera Theater.

New Grants Now Available!

Erie Arts Endowment grants have been replaced by new Arts Council of Erie Project grants. Applications will only be accepted once a year. Deadline for submission is August 31, 2007!

There will be no August 15 Endowment grant cycle, and grant applications will no longer be accepted in February.

Arts Council NOW HIRING!

The Arts Council has an opening for Office Administrator, and is reviewing applications immediately. Read more...

Preserving Our Regional Assets:

Gaming revenue could stabilize arts and culture in Erie County.Voice your support! Read more...