Beth Kingsley Hawkins: Carrying Forward the Hummingbird Legacy

Beth Kingsley Hawkins, 86, is a vibrant figure in Sedona’s artistic community, known for her deep passion for hummingbirds. Her cheerful demeanor, highlighted by sparkling hair tinsel, belies a profound dedication to her work and life’s pursuits.

A long-time resident of Sedona, Hawkins co-founded the International Hummingbird Society (IHS) with her late husband, H. Ross Hawkins, Ph.D. They led the organization together from 1996 until his passing in 2020. “For three years as executive director, I moved the society forward and kept my husband’s dream alive since his passing,” she stated, affirming her continued involvement as a board member and her role in producing the society’s 2025 hummingbird calendar.

Hawkins’s contributions extend beyond the IHS. She is an accomplished musician, award-winning photographer, published author, and reiki master, with certifications as a music therapist. Her travels have taken her to locations like Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Austria. Although overseas trips are not on her current agenda, she maintains an active schedule regionally, with her next engagement set for Kingman.

Recently, Hawkins has been enjoying her time at her gallery, aptly named the Hummingbird Gallery, located in the Village of Oak Creek. Here, she showcases her photography, books, and an eclectic range of gifts. The gallery also functioned as the IHS headquarters until its recent relocation to West Sedona. “I am loving being back full time in my Sedona Hummingbird Gallery and Spirit Center,” she remarked, also mentioning evening music therapy sessions she conducts.

Her workspace at the gallery is filled with creative energy, containing unfinished manuscripts and personal memorabilia. Reflecting on her life, Hawkins draws inspiration from her grandfather, a bank president into his 90s, who instilled in her the importance of legacy and understanding life’s deeper meanings. “Embrace creativity and learn what you need to learn,” she advises, emphasizing how music and art have continually fueled her spirit.

Hummingbirds, with their rapid heartbeats and swift movements, serve as a metaphor for Hawkins’s own approach to life. While she may have slowed down slightly, she remains far from idle. “I feel very, very lucky,” she says, particularly reflecting on her years working as a music therapist in hospice care. Recalling a former patient named Jim, who found purpose in a video of his singing during his final days, Hawkins illustrates her dedication to enhancing people’s lives through music.

“Nature and art help replenish my energy,” she notes, expressing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren. They inspire her writing and other creative endeavors, reinforcing her commitment to serve as a source of support for others. Despite the challenges often associated with aging, Hawkins finds joy and humor in life, often laughing off such concerns.

“You are old, Father William,” she quoted from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, highlighting her playful attitude toward age. Her gallery, a blend of memories and collections, is alive with creativity, making it a fitting home for one who embodies the same spirit as the hummingbirds she so cherishes.