An Inspired Chat with Christopher Brazelton of Woodstock, GA

Christopher Brazelton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The best mornings start with a few pages of a book—sometimes a novel, sometimes something on leadership or the arts. I usually make breakfast for the family, then squeeze in a quick gym session if the stars align. Right now we’ve got three kids at three different schools, so there’s a fair bit of joyful chaos getting everyone out the door—but it’s the fun kind.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christopher Brazelton, Executive Director of Woodstock Arts. I’ve been with the organization for 12 years and in this role since 2016. What makes us different is where we do this work: we’re a truly multidisciplinary arts center in a small town—bringing theatre, concerts, visual art, classes, and festivals together in one place. Most models like ours live in big-city cores; we’re proving it can thrive in a community like Woodstock.

My own background is in music and theatre, and since we opened the Reeves House Visual Arts Center in 2021 I’ve loved learning how visual art connects with everything else we do. That cross-pollination—stage to gallery to classroom—is where the magic happens. Our team is fantastic, the community is hungry for great art, and we’re obsessed with showing that you don’t have to live in downtown Atlanta to experience it at a high level.

We really believe that we are leading the way in what art centers can do in small communities.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Honestly, it wasn’t one moment – it was a bunch under the same theme. I grew up with two main communities: the arts and the church. On the surface those worlds can feel like oil and vinegar, and sometimes they are. But in high school and then at Florida State, I’d literally go from a campus church service to the theatre school across the street and hear the same news through two very different lenses. Those conversations (in person, not behind a keyboard) taught me how much we project onto “the other,” and how often we want the same things. Both worlds challenged me in different ways, and both have a lot to learn from each other. That tension, and overlap, really shaped how I see people and possibility.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Not necessarily a fear, but to this day I still struggle with trying to get everyone in the same room to agree on a direction. I have always been stubborn on this, but as I get older I realize that sometimes it may just not be possible. Accepting that is freeing (and even as I type this I know I won’t accept it in some collaborative room in the future – that’s ok, we’re all still learning).

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say I’m big on commitment. I was raised to follow through, and I still try to live that way—whether it’s friendships, family, or the work I do. It’s not about never changing your mind; it’s about showing up, keeping your word, and finishing what you start. In a world that moves fast, I think that extra layer of follow-through still matters a lot.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. I decided back in my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to work in arts administration – a blend of entrepreneurship, culture, and community-building… and I never really looked back. I followed that path through college and into my career, and even on the tiring days it feels deeply meaningful. I believe in the work, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.