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.

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 County.

This conversation explores how the Maltz builds every show in-house, why audience energy changes a performance, and how experiences like the Island Theatre and creative lobby activations (think Creature Features during Misery) turn a night at the theatre into something immersive. We also talk leadership, legacy, and what it means to make arts access real for everyone.

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 journeys, his story is one of resilience, creativity, and community impact.

This conversation explores how Cruise channels his coastal upbringing into vibrant, nautical-inspired artwork, why he embraces authenticity in his creative process, and how he’s built a movement through Cruiser Palooza and the Cruisey Baby Initiative. Together, we reflect on the power of art to heal, to connect, and to inspire people to see possibility in the face of challenge.

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 her band, and Brian lifts the curtain on what it takes to launch a first-year festival that feels authentically “Jupiter.”

We explore how local roots, community collaboration, and a relaxed coastal vibe shape the festival experience: from live music and tastings to markets and sunset views. Samantha reflects on influences from ’90s country to Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac, while Brian talks about years of volunteering, building committees, and the passion that powers great events.

Join us as we discuss:

- Samantha’s journey from karaoke nights to leading The Samantha Russell Band

- Brian’s path from volunteer to festival producer

- What to expect at the upcoming Jupiter HarbourFest, Presented by Jupiter Medical Center

- How festivals spark discovery and community connections

- Advice for aspiring performers and event pros

To get your tickets for Jupiter HarbourFest, go to jupiterharbourfest.org

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

Follow the guests:

Website:

Jupiter HarbourFest: https://www.jupiterharbourfest.org/

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: pbnchamber.com

The Samantha Russell Band: https://www.samantharussell.com/

Instagram:

Jupiter HarbourFest / jupiterharbourfest

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce / pbnchamber

The Samantha Russell Band / samantharussellmusic

#CoastalCountry #FloridaFestivals #JupiterHarbourFest

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 connection fuels both her creative work and Natural Movers’ mission to make dance and the arts accessible to everyone. Ericka opens up about building programs that spark joy across generations, creating events that unite communities, and shaping a nonprofit that grows from her ethos of collaboration and Ubuntu: I am because we are.

Join us as we discuss:

• How childhood community experiences shaped her vision for Natural Movers

• What she learned abroad about slowing down, seeing people, and finding rhythm in everyday life

• The story behind signature programs like Moved and Dance All Day Fest

• Why partnerships with cultural institutions open the door for wider access

• The challenges of arts funding in Florida and how her team is adapting

• Her advice for creatives and nonprofit leaders to pause, reflect, and create from love

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

Follow the guests:

Website: https://www.naturalmovers.org/

Instagram: / naturalmovers

#ArtiGrasPodcast #NaturalMovers #DanceCommunity #PalmBeachArts #CreativeMovement

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, people, and purpose fuels everything from design to community service. Amanda shares how she’s redefining success on her own terms: making space for play, embracing sustainability, and championing local creatives through projects like Amanda’s Corner at Habitat for Humanity Restore and her Camp Perna workshops.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why she left New York fashion to build a bold brand in Delray Beach

- How her community helped save her business during a major setback

- The story behind Amanda’s Corner at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore

- How Camp Perna gives women space to create, connect, and play

- Her advice for creatives on staying true to your vision, even when it’s hard

- Tips for adding color and confidence to your personal style

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

Don’t 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

Follow the House of Perna:

Website: https://thehouseofperna.com/

Instagram: / houseofperna

#HouseOfPerna #ArtiGrasPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur #SustainableStyle #PalmBeachArts

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 community shaped their mission to empower artists at every stage.

In this episode, they open up about their journey as partners in life and art, the story behind launching a nonprofit during a time of crisis, and their hopes for a permanent space that will allow their foundation’s outreach and mentorship efforts to grow. You’ll also hear personal stories of how their work has touched the lives of veterans, young creatives, and collectors—and why they believe sustainability, mental wellness, and financial literacy are essential tools for every artist.

Join us as we discuss:

- The origin of No More Starving Artists and how a family crisis inspired action

- Their evolution from pop-ups to large curated exhibits like Continuum

- Anthony’s “Ethnic Mermaids” series and community-driven coloring book project

- How they’ve used art to uplift individuals facing illness, grief, or transition

- The impact of mentoring and offering artists professional resources—from grant-writing to mental health support

- Their long-term vision for building a membership program and securing a permanent community space

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

Don’t 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

Follow the guests:

Website: https://www.nmsaf.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmsaf/

Presented to you by: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

#SupportLocalArtists #ArtAsAdvocacy #NoMoreStarvingArtists #PalmBeachArts #CreativeWellness

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, Jeni reflects on her evolving role—from teaching children’s clay classes to overseeing a thriving three-building campus with outreach programs, major exhibitions, and events like Dart for Art. We also talk about the meditative nature of ceramics, the importance of inclusive access to art, and how her work with veterans, children, and other local creatives continues to make a lasting impact.

Join us as we discuss:

- How growing up in Florida and a background in psychology led Jeni to the arts

- Her ceramic journey: from sea urchins to shibori-inspired glazing

- The origin of “The Claw and the Sea,” her creative collaboration with her husband Ron Shaw

- Major programs and events at the Lighthouse ArtCenter, including Dart for Art and the Plein Air Festival

- The life-changing impact of art outreach programs for veterans and children

- How Jeni balances administrative leadership with maintaining her own creative process

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious creative, or someone passionate about community impact, this episode is a powerful reminder of how art can transform lives—both in and out of the studio.

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

Don’t 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

Follow the Lighthouse ArtCenter:

Website: https://lighthousearts.org/about/

Instagram: @lighthouseartscenter

Jeni's Instagram: @theclawandthesea

Presented to you by: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

#CeramicArt #CommunityArt #ArtTherapy #PleinAirFestival #LighthouseArtCenter