ArtiGras Podcast

In this episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, Denley Murat, co-founder of Flavar and founder of Sushi Films, shares a conversation with us about creativity, community, and building a thriving arts culture in Palm Beach County. Drawing on nearly a decade of creating events, producing films, and cultivating spaces where artists can connect and grow, Denley shares the story behind Flavar, the importance o...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Desile, Managing Producer, and Trent Stephens, Artistic Director of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival. From unforgettable live theater moments and behind-the-scenes stories to the importance of accessibility in the arts, this conversation explores how the festival has become a beloved cultural tradition in Palm Beach Count...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with George Bayer, a multidisciplinary artist whose career has taken him across the globe and across mediums. From an unconventional start shaped by early challenges with communication to becoming an internationally exhibited artist, George shares how creativity became both his voice and his path forward. We explore the defining moments th...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Tiffany Lanier, keynote speaker, author, show host, and community builder. From discovering the power of her voice at a young age to building a career rooted in connection, Tiffany shares how her work has evolved across speaking, storytelling, and creating spaces that bring people together. We explore the defining moments that shaped...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Ransom, Director of Artist Services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. From an unexpected career pivot into the arts to shaping opportunities for hundreds of local creatives, Jessica shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to support and grow a thriving arts community in Palm Beach County. This conv...

Peter DeWitt is the Program Manager for the Bureau of Land Management at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, and Katrina Heller is the Executive Director of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Together, they help steward one of Palm Beach County’s most iconic and meaningful places, where history, nature, preservation, and community all meet. In this episode, Peter and Kat...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Lloyd Stanbury, Founder of the Palm Beach Reggae Music and Arts Festival. From his early days in Jamaica as a concert promoter and entertainment attorney to negotiating international deals and witnessing reggae’s global impact firsthand, Lloyd shares how a lifetime in music led him to create South Florida’s first multi day reggae cent...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with James (Jim) Barbato of Palm Beach Opera, the General Director of one of South Florida’s most celebrated performing arts organizations. From his early days as a performer to navigating career crossroads and ultimately stepping into leadership in arts administration, Jim shares the moments that shaped his path and what it takes to susta...

Kerri Paizzi is the CEO of Flavor South Florida and a passionate advocate for food as an art form that brings people together. With roots in the restaurant industry and a deep love for community connection, Kerri has helped turn September into a month locals genuinely look forward to. In this episode, Kerri shares how Flavor South Florida grew into a beloved culinary tradition, why dining is about...

Janeen Talbott is a multidisciplinary creative whose path into filmmaking was shaped by curiosity, service, and a deep respect for storytelling. From early creative encouragement at home to experiences that challenged how representation shows up on screen, her work is rooted in lived experience and thoughtful process. In this episode, Janeen shares how her journey through journalism, the Peace Cor...

From surfing Jupiter waves to leading a world-class orchestra, David McClymont’s career path is anything but traditional. As CEO of the Palm Beach Symphony, he brings endurance, discipline, and data-driven thinking to an art form often seen as purely creative. In this episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, David shares how leadership in the arts mirrors athletic endurance, why creativity and metrics mus...

Wilkine Brutus has lived many creative lives. Award-winning journalist, poet, speaker, and founder of Maps & Diaries, he grew up in a Haitian household full of big, dramatic stories, discovered poetry and hip-hop as his creative language, and learned to turn rejection, curiosity, and community into fuel. In this episode, Wilkine talks about growing up on exaggerated family legends, going viral...

Scott Jeffries has lived more than one life. Lawyer, addict, survivor, artist, and founder of Fannie Ward Carmen Scott. What began as a moment of curiosity in his grandmother’s studio became a journey of freedom, color, and purpose. Today, Scott Jeffries, a Palm Beach County artist and consultant, channels his recovery through art, painting what he calls “mirrors,” vibrant reflections of emotion,...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Noelia Solange, Co-Founder of Subtropic Film Festival, and filmmaker David Hamzik. From launching a truly indie festival in West Palm Beach to hosting year-round pop-up screenings and workshops, Noelia and David share how community, collaboration, and Florida’s distinct creative energy are shaping a new film culture across South Flori...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Kato, Chief Executive & Producing Artistic Director of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. From growing up in Jupiter to producing the Tony Awards and leading a $50M+ expansion that reshaped a beloved local institution, Andrew shares how vision, community, and a “talented & kind” culture power world-class theatre in Palm Beach C...

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Cruise Bogle, Artist & Founder/President of the Cruisey Baby Initiative. Born on a sailboat in the Caribbean and later navigating life after a spinal cord injury, Cruise shares how art became both a lifeline and a platform for connection. From painting with his mouth to launching the “Weirdo” series inspired by mental health journ...

This week on the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Brian Elkins, Vice President of Events & Community Engagement at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and Samantha Russell, lead vocalist and founder of The Samantha Russell Band, to talk all things Jupiter HarbourFest: a brand-new, waterfront music festival in Jupiter, Florida. Samantha shares her path from childhood stages to fronting...

This week on the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Ericka Squire: dancer, educator, cultural leader, and the founder and CEO of Natural Movers. Ericka shares her journey from Palm Beach County roots to becoming a global citizen, studying in Ghana, drawing inspiration from African dance traditions, and redefining how movement builds community. We explore how her belief in rhythm, love, and connect...

This week on the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Perna: fashion designer, entrepreneur, author, speaker, community leader, and creative force behind House of Perna, Camp Perna, and A Little Wyld. Amanda opens up about her journey from Broadway dreams to building a bold, joy-filled fashion brand, and the highs and lows of life as a creative entrepreneur. We explore how her love of color,...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guests, Trina and Anthony Burks, co-founders of the No More Starving Artists Foundation and creative forces behind Zero Empty Spaces in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. From pop-up gallery shows in Northwood to launching large-scale multidisciplinary exhibitions and artist support programs, Trina and Anthony share how personal challenges and a deep commitment to...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guest, Jeni Licata, a beloved ceramic artist and the Executive Director of the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida. From her early days studying psychology to building sea urchins out of clay in her mother-in-law’s garage, Jeni shares how art, education, and community connection have shaped her personal journey and leadership style. In this episode, Je...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guest, Kelvin Small III, a visionary photographer and Emerging Artist in Residence through the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. From a $20 Fujifilm camera purchased on OfferUp to national exhibits and a growing cinematic photo series, Kelvin shares how instinct, discipline, and creative grit have guided his path. In this episode, Kelvin reflects on hi...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guest, Grace Gdaniec, Program Director of the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach, Florida. A visual artist with a background in oil painting and curation, Grace shares her journey from a creative childhood to managing one of South Florida’s most vibrant multidisciplinary art spaces. In this episode, Grace explores the evolution of the Arts Warehouse—its role as...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guest, Carla Stansifer, Curator of Japanese Art at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. With nearly 25 years in the field, Carla shares her fascinating journey from childhood curiosity to becoming a steward of one of the most treasured cultural institutions in Palm Beach County. In this episode, Carla unpacks the Morikami’s evol...

Join us as we sit down with this week’s guests, JB Berkow and Grace Chepneik, two powerhouse artists from the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth, Florida. JB is a renowned painter, sculptor, and the visionary founder of the Center, while Grace is a rising star in the world of hot glass and serves as the Center’s Hot Shop Manager. Together, we explore their creative journeys, the miss...