About this Event
Art Wellness Education Series:
Timucua Talks: Art & People Facing Hunger
How can art challenge people facing hunger and create change? This engaging panel brings together artists and voices from the community to explore the powerful role of creativity in confronting poverty.
Facilitator: Jim Myers is a songwriter and musician, the co-creator, singer and drummer of Milk Carton Superstars, a member of the songwriting collective Swamp Xista, and the host of the weekly radio show That Lyric Made My Day on WPRK. For 33 years, Jim served as a manager at the Orlando Public Library, including that last decade as Department Head of the Melrose Center. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. Jim lives in Orlando with his wife, artist Bethany Myers, and their animal family, where he generally focuses on recording and mixing sounds, shooting and editing video, and arranging words in interesting ways.
Panelist: Bess Auer is an artist, author, digital storyteller, and community advocate whose work explores the power of creativity to connect people and strengthen communities. A longtime digital marketer and founder of the Florida Blogger & Social Media Conference, she has spent nearly two decades helping organizations and individuals tell stories that inspire people to take action. As an author and visual artist, Bess has also used her creative work to support causes close to home. Proceeds from her HoundsHouse book series and several of her art exhibitions have benefited Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. She currently serves as President of the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, where she leads community initiatives focused on drowning prevention, water safety, and access to swimming. Across her work in marketing, art, writing, and nonprofit leadership, Bess believes storytelling can do more than capture attention—it can build community and inspire meaningful change
Panelist: Beth McKee is a Mississippi-born pianist and songwriter moved to Austin, Texas, in her early 20s and found role models in women like Lucinda Williams and Marcia Ball, who had thriving music careers. Beth is an essential member of Orlando's music scene and the community. In 2019 Orlando Magazine honored her as a "Woman of the Year," In 2020, Orlando Sentinel named Beth one of the ten people who make Orlando a better place to live and founder of Swamp Sistas, a group of female musicians who include community service as part of the group's mission.
Panelist: Greg Higgerson is an award-winning senior Development professional with 39 years fundraising experience with two excellent nonprofit organizations. "My life's work continues to be providing individuals, families, corporations and foundations with meaningful opportunities to change the world through philanthropy," says Greg. Greg is currently the Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank.
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Payment for this event is an art experience donation (pay what you like).
Free parking on Summerlin Avenue or Wadeview Park.
Please bring a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic beverage to share.
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Event venue & nearby stays
Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 South Summerlin Avenue, Orlando, United States
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