Josh Gordon brings energy, persistence, and a deep commitment to community to his role as Executive Director of the Barberton Community Foundation. A seasoned leader in marketing and communications, Josh has made an impact across sectors—from nonprofits and education to healthcare and the corporate world. Though born in Columbus, his journey took him through 13 different homes before he found his way back to Ohio in 2006—and he’s been helping build stronger communities here ever since.

What types of arts and cultural activities do you enjoy the most (e.g., theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature)?

Having experienced musical theatre at a young age (I was an extra in a Loyola Marymount University production of Tosca in 5th grade), I was able to be involved in productions all throughout high school. I loved singing in the choir, both in the high school choir and the South Carolina All State Choir, which was an amazing experience.

Have you ever volunteered or contributed to local arts and cultural organizations in Summit County? If yes, how?

My “participating” days are behind me, but they have transitioned well into my “appreciation” days! I attend as many art openings (I love both the Akron Art Museum and the Cleveland Institute of Art), theatre productions, and choir performances as I can. I especially love the professional theatre happening at Magical Theatre Company and Weathervane. I also enjoy the work happening at North Canton Playhouse and I make it to Playhouse Square as often as I can. Folks may not fully understand the quality of these productions and the talent on display… all within 15 minutes!

How has your involvement in arts and culture shaped your perspective and understanding of different cultures and communities?

Art – whether performance, visual, etc.– is an essential part of life. Art reorganizes the facts of the world in new, interesting, and sometimes difficult ways. Art is how we gain perspective, challenge our assumptions, and grow as people.

In what ways do arts and culture contribute to your personal well-being and mental health?

There is nothing like the energy of a live performance – it’s always refreshing. I also love spending time in an art museum. It’s still. The space is designed to enable calmand focus. What a gift calm and focus is in our media-cluttered, mind-on-overdrive world!

Can you recall a time when arts and culture helped you see the world from a different perspective or challenged your assumptions?

I remember seeing The Lion King during its debut season on Broadway. The size and scale of that production, the way it invades the audience space and your brain space, is so captivating and all-encompassing. It’s powerful. The first song grips all of your senses – including our sometimes dormant sense of wonder – and the sound is so powerful it’s hard not to feel emotional as the boom echoes when the number ends.

Describe a work of art or cultural experience that deeply resonated with you and why it had such a powerful effect.

I’ve always loved Rodin’s “The Thinker.”As our world gets more cluttered with digital noise, this piece is a great reminder of the need for reflecting on what we’re experiencing, not just bouncing from experience to experience. We have to process them. My mom had Rodin bookends for some books she displayed on our fireplace mantle when I was a kid, and I always enjoyed the disposition of that image next to books. I’ve had the honor of seeing a Rodin in both Cleveland and Philadelphia.

How do arts and culture provide a means of escapism or respite from the challenges of everyday life?

I would suggest respite is more the objective than escapism. Great art should help us confront our challenges, or provide respite from them. A great show, musical production, concert, art opening – these are all respites. They let us activate different parts of our brain. They let the tired parts rest, and activate the dormant parts, bringing us new energy!

How do you think exposure to arts and culture at a young age can shape a person’s development and worldview?

Art can always be counted on to deliver a sense of wonder. The talent and organization of quality art is bigger than any individual… and the way it captivates is stronger when we are younger. I would hazard a guess that we all can recall interesting art we saw when we were kids, and could discuss how it formed our worldview. Whether it is a movie, TV show, visual art, or theatre performance – the experience of consuming arthas a way of transforming us. Even if you see a piece of art that isn’t your favorite, you’re never the same as you were before you saw it. You’re changed, evolved, and deepened. No other experience creates this magical reality like art.