In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Michelle Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of the Infinity Science Center. They discuss Michelle's background, including her education and journey to the Science Center. Michelle shares the history and development of the Infinity Science Center, starting from its early days as the Stentosphere to its grand opening in 2012. They talk about the center's relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, its major fundraisers, and future plans. Michelle touches on exciting new exhibits and her favorite one. They also highlight the center's role in both public education and community outreach activities.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Infinity Science Center's Dual Purpose and Growth: The Infinity Science Center opened to the public in 2012 and serves as both an educational attraction for the general public and a field trip destination for students. It's designed to represent the scientific advancements at the Stennis Space Center and provides a wide array of STEM-related exhibits and interactive experiences.


2. Impact and Recovery from Hurricane Katrina: Hurricane Katrina in 2005 significantly affected the development plans for the Infinity Science Center. The original blueprints were more luxurious and extensive, but the rebuilding had to prioritize essential structures and facilities. Despite the setbacks, they managed to open a substantial and functional center in 2012.


3. Strategic Community Engagement and Fundraising: The Infinity Science Center actively engages with the local community, including partnerships with schools and NASA. They rely on admissions, donations, and fundraisers such as the Monsters and Masquerade Bash to support their operations. Their engagement also includes outreach programs and potential new interactive exhibits and educational tools like the "Small Lab."

Show Overview

00:00 Mississippi STEM Center Origins
06:37 Infinity Science Center Planning Overview
08:25 Infinity Science Center's Unrealized Vision
11:45 Dual Role of Stennis Space Center
16:30 Deep Ocean Exploration Challenge
19:33 Monsters & Masquerade Fundraiser Events
21:47 Showcasing Diverse Science Contributions
23:50 Legacy of Wise Spending
28:51 Fun with Customizable Masks and Projectors
30:44 Infinity Experience Overview

In this episode, Andrew Allen speaks with Julian Rankin, Executive Director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), about the impact of coastal artist Walter Anderson. They explore Anderson's role in promoting creativity and his misunderstood vision, discuss the museum's growth over the past 30 years, and highlight recent expansions like a new restaurant and green space. Rankin also discusses the museum's educational goals, community engagement, and exciting events like the "Silent Light" festival. They reflect on the resilience shown during Hurricane Katrina and the museum's ongoing efforts to support the creative economy in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Listen to learn about Walter Anderson's legacy and the vibrant cultural experiences at WAMA!

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Expansion and Integration of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art:

Over the past 30 years, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art has significantly expanded, moving beyond just showcasing art to incorporating modern amenities like a restaurant, coffee shop, and public green space. This expansion also includes thematic explorations such as foodways and marine education and engaging events like the "Silent Light" festival and Flowerfest, which resonate with The Mississippi Coasts' cultural and artistic heritage.

Walter Anderson's Enduring Legacy and Community Engagement:

Walter Anderson's impact as an artist goes beyond his watercolors and block prints; his vision of integrating creativity into the community remains central to the museum's mission. The museum emphasizes educational engagement and the creation of meaningful experiences, aligning with Anderson's ethos. Agnes Grinstead Anderson's dedication to education further underscores the museum's focus, while initiatives like the audio guide and the support for local events reinforce this engagement.

Historical Challenges and Resilience of WAMA:

The museum faced significant hurdles during Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected both its physical premises and visitor numbers. Despite these challenges, the museum demonstrated resilience, leveraging its slight hill location for protection and adopting creative solutions to navigate the pandemic. Additionally, the museum collaborates closely with the community and local businesses, such as the food and beverage sector, to ensure sustainability and continued cultural contribution.

Episode Highlights:

- Walter Anderson's life, work, and lasting impact on the art community.


- The significant role of Agnes Grinstead Anderson in fostering educational engagement through museums.


- The museum's evolution and recent expansions including new dining establishments and public spaces.


- Exciting events like "Silent Light" and "Flowerfest," capturing the spirit of community fusion and celebration.


- Stories of resilience and creativity from Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19 challenges.


- Insights into the symbiotic relationship between art, culture, and local businesses.


In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew interviews Billy Lehman and Alicia Chambless about their roles in organizing events for the city of Gulfport. Billy, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services, and Alicia, the Special Events Coordinator, share their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the history and growth of the Harbor Lights Festival, a massive Christmas light display in Gulfport's Jones Park. The event has grown significantly since it started in 2015, featuring over 2 million lights, Santa's Village, and various food vendors. They talk about the planning process, which begins more than a year in advance, and how they manage the logistics. They also mention new additions and highlights for the upcoming season. Both Billy and Alicia express their passion and commitment to making Harbor Lights a beloved holiday tradition despite the challenges. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the possible future additions, like an ice skating rink and a dedicated train track, to make the event even better.

What You'll Learn:

1. The rich history and evolution of Gulfport's Harbor Lights.

2. Behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of this massive event.

3. The challenges and triumphs of creating a spectacular light display with over 2 million lights.

4. Sneak peeks into new attractions and what to expect in the upcoming 2024 season.

5. How the community comes together to make Harbor Lights a magical experience for visitors from all over the country.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

Continuous Improvement and Planning: The team begins planning for the next year's Harbor Lights Festival almost as soon as the current one begins, ensuring constant innovation and improvement.

Community and Family Involvement: Both Billy and Alicia emphasize the importance of community and family in their work, showcasing how they balance event responsibilities with personal time.

Future Aspirations: Exciting plans are on the horizon for Harbor Lights, including potential additions like an ice skating rink and dedicated train tracks, highlighting the team's forward-thinking mindset.