Joel Luks is a communications specialist who has an impressive collection of bow ties. As a contributing editor CultureMap until 2015, Joel mused and amused about arts, entertainment, classical music and society while serving as a regular contributor on KHOU 11 News through a special partnership between CultureMap and the CBS affiliate. Joel is now a content strategist with the boutique marketing and public relations firm The CKP Group. Joel earned degrees from the University of Rochester and Rice University, where he excelled in classical music performance. Additional studies in arts management and psychology led to a post as education director of Young Audiences of Houston, a chapter of a national nonprofit that advocates for creative pursuits in schools. He then gained experience in sales as a home consultant for Newmark Homes, a Houston-based production builder. Joel is passionate about the importance of the arts in society, education and sustainability. As a volunteer, he has served on the boards of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Urban Harvest and Fresh Arts, having also been the chair of the Impulse Artist Series board. He's also a frequent speaker on topics of media relations, marketing practices and art trends.