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 conversation explores the realities of the art market, the role of curators in shaping meaningful exhibitions, and how the Cultural Council is creating pathways for artists at every stage of their careers. From major exhibitions to grant programs and artist resources, Jessica offers insight into how collaboration, accessibility, and community continue to drive the region’s creative momentum.

Topics Covered:

• (2:15) Jessica’s journey from education and government into the arts •

(6:26) What it means to be Director of Artist Services and the many roles involved

• (7:36) Breaking into the art market and challenges for artists in smaller regions

• (11:34) The connection between art, wellness, and community impact

• (15:31) How exhibitions are conceptualized, curated, and brought to life

• (37:42) Resources, grants, and opportunities available for artists in Palm Beach County

Artists and Creative Professionals! For free resources and more insight into Palm Beach County’s arts scene, visit our sponsor’s site: https://www.palmbeachculture.com

Do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the art world!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @artigras

Facebook: @artigras

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Website: www.artigras.org

ArtiGras Podcast Website: www.artigraspodcast.com

Follow the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County:

Instagram: @palmbeachculture

Facebook: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Website: https://www.palmbeachculture.com

#ArtiGrasPodcast#PalmBeachArts#CulturalCouncil#ArtCommunity#SouthFloridaArts

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 Katrina share how they each found their way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, what makes the site so nationally unique, and why it continues to leave such a lasting impact on visitors and locals alike. From over 8,000 years of history to tours, wellness programs, conservation work, and the new River to Reef Arts Festival, this conversation highlights just how much the lighthouse has to offer.

Topics Covered:

02:22 How Peter and Katrina each found their way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

05:43 Why the site is nationally unique and deeply rooted in community stewardship

11:11 The 8,000+ years of history beneath the site

12:03 Tours, programs, and experiences happening at the lighthouse year-round

15:50 What Peter’s role as Program Manager with the Bureau of Land Management looks like

24:00 The vision behind the new River to Reef Arts Festival

30:18 What makes River to Reef a different kind of art festival

35:02 How the Bureau of Land Management and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum work together

36:42 Key events that support the lighthouse throughout the year

43:42 Conservation, restoration, and the future of the site

53:15 How to get involved with the lighthouse through volunteering, events, and partnerships

The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community.

Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com!

Check us out on social media!

Instagram:

ArtiGras: @artigras

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Facebook:

ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

Website:

To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

Follow our guests!

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Website: jupiterlighthouse.org

Instagram: @jupiter_lighthouse Facebook: /jupiterinletlighthousemuseum

LinkedIn: /company/jupiter-inlet-lighthouse-and-museum

#ArtiGrasPodcast #JupiterLighthouse #PalmBeachCulture #RiverToReef #SupportLocalArts

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 centered festival.

We explore the defining moments of his career, including promoting Sly and Robbie and negotiating a Rolling Stones related contract, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to protecting artists and sustaining reggae culture. Lloyd also shares the vision behind the festival’s multicultural, multimedia approach and his deeper motivation to build something meaningful in Palm Beach County that will inspire future generations.

Topics Covered:

• 2:28 – Lloyd Stanbury’s journey from Jamaica to Palm Beach County

• 4:06 – The vision behind the Palm Beach Reggae Music & Arts Festival

• 5:30 – Promoting Sly & Robbie

• 7:50 – Negotiating a Rolling Stones related contract

• 16:32 – Film, live music, and visual arts as a total cultural experience

• 38:23 – Building a sustainable, multi day festival in South Florida

• 48:06 – The global reach of reggae from Nairobi to Spain

The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community. Artists and Creative Professionals!

📣 For free resources and more insight into Palm Beach County’s arts scene, visit our sponsor’s site: https://www.palmbeachculture.com

Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com!

Check us out on social media!

Instagram:

ArtiGras: @artigras

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Facebook:

ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

Website:

To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com

Follow our Guests!

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

Follow our guests!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587103944628

Lloyd's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloydstanbury

Instagram: @palmbeachreggae

Website: palmbeachreggae.org

#PalmBeachReggae #ReggaeFestival #DelrayBeach #OneLove #OldSchoolSquare

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 sustain a world-class opera company. This conversation explores the evolution of his career, the deep connection between community engagement and artistic excellence, and how opera continues to thrive through education programs and innovative thinking.

Jim also opens up about his insights on why live performance matters now more than ever, how Palm Beach Opera has carved out its unique identity, and what it takes to build a sustainable artistic ecosystem that serves audiences of all ages.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• 01:27 — Jim Barbato’s journey from performer to arts leader

• 03:36 — The impact of industry challenges and career pivot points

• 29:36 — The resident artist program and cultivating emerging talent

• 38:04 — Palm Beach Opera’s role in community engagement and education

• 40:08 — Opera as a visceral, live art form that moves audiences

• 52:02 — Making opera accessible and relevant to new audiences

• 1:09:24 — Vision for the future and growing opera tourism in Palm Beach County

The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community.

Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com!

Check us out on social media!

Instagram:

ArtiGras: @artigras

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Facebook:

ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

Website:

To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

'To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

Follow our guests!

Website: pbopera.org

Instagram: palmbeachopera

#OperaInPalmBeach #ArtsLeadership #LivePerformance #CommunityThroughArt #ArtiGrasPodcast

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 so much more than what’s on the plate, and how creativity, generosity, and shared experiences continue to shape the region’s food culture.

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 Corps, and film school led her to filmmaking, along with how community, color, and audacity continue to guide her creative work.

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 must coexist, and how the Symphony has expanded access through education, outreach, and unforgettable community experiences.

Topics Covered:

00:48 Growing up in Jupiter, competitive surfing, and early influences

02:57 Ironman training, endurance, and leadership at scale

07:16 Balancing data, creativity, and sustainable decision making

09:47 A pivotal leadership moment ahead of the Kravis Center debut

12:20 Winning the Symphony’s first Emmy and Carnival of More Animals

15:54 Mission-driven growth and expanding arts education across Palm Beach County

The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community.

Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com!

Check us out on social media!

Instagram:

ArtiGras: @artigras

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Facebook:

ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

Website:

To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

Follow our guests!

Palm Beach Symphony Website: https://www.palmbeachsymphony.org

Palm Beach Symphony Instagram: @pbsymphony

Palm Beach Symphony Facebook: /palm beach symphony

Palm Beach Symphony LinkedIn: /company/palm-beach-symphony

David McClymont LinkedIn: /in/david-mcclymont

#ArtiGrasPodcast #DavidMcClymont #PalmBeachSymphony #ArtsLeadership #PalmBeachArts

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 as “Teacher YouTube” in South Korea, why libraries and third places matter, how he thinks about success and “luxury” now, and the four guiding principles he shares with other creatives.

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, resilience, and the creative journey that shaped his life.

In this episode, he shares how art became both his recovery and his calling, why he never negotiates his worth, and the life lesson he swears by: if it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.

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 Florida.

This conversation explores how Subtropic curates shorts by feeling and theme, why opening night at the Norton Museum matters, and how partnerships—from hands-on film workshops to cross-city screenings—keep local filmmakers in the spotlight. We dig into creative highs, on-set curveballs (rainstorms and 4 a.m. shoots), and the business side of art: how to sustain creativity by surrounding yourself with the right team.