In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city’s cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor’s Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It’s a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi’s creative spirit.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change

David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent.

2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact

As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state’s economic and tourism profile.

3. Celebrating Mississippi’s Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage

David highlights how Mississippi’s unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture’s exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor’s Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi’s stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad.

Show Overview

0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis
3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence
9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy
11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi
15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride
18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy
21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization
24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support
29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community
33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe
35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture
39:02 Commendable Community Dedication
42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community

In this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross in Alabama and Mississippi, and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at Two Men and a Truck, and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can give back.


Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode:

The surprising statistics behind local disasters: Did you know home fires are the #1 disaster the Red Cross responds to here? Emily explains why—and how you can help.

Why the Gulf Coast is America's most disaster-prone region, and what that means for support and preparedness.

The Red Cross goes beyond disaster relief in many ways, including free smoke alarm installation in at-risk neighborhoods, blood drives, and special support for military families.

How you can make a difference: Volunteer, donate blood, or contribute financially—Emily gives you real, actionable ways to get involved locally.

The story behind Two Men and a Truck's international journey and their Movers for Moms campaign helping women in need each spring.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community Involvement: Whether it's coordinating disaster relief, supporting military families, or running blood drives, engaging with your local community can make a huge difference. Emily is proof that one person's network can amplify support for entire regions.

2. Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Headlines: While the Red Cross is known for responding to hurricanes and fires, they're also working behind the scenes – most disaster calls in their region are actually home fires, not the natural disasters we typically think of.

3. Anyone Can Get Involved: From donating blood or volunteering, to simply staying informed, there are so many ways to support vital organizations like the Red Cross. 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers, and local contributions stay local!

Show Overview

00:00 Emily Sham: Local Philanthropy Insights

05:35 Franchise's First Marketing Efforts

06:17 Community-Centric Marketing Approach

11:35 Horn Island's Unique Coastal Experience

15:01 Joining Chamber, Focusing on Marketing

17:22 Red Cross: Beyond Disaster Relief

19:46 Mission-Focused Financial Efficiency

24:05 Red Cross: Certification and Military Support

28:34 Mississippi Red Cross Deficit Solution

30:45 Blood Donation App Simplifies Process

33:47 Coastal Life and Community Bonds