The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is a new museum located in 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. It was founded by businessman Thomas James and opened in 2018. It features thousands of pieces from James’ personal collection, including traditional and contemporary works. In addition to the natural world, you can also see art from various cultures and time periods. More articles here
The James Museum is an architecturally ambitious undertaking. It features a color-coded gallery system, with both iconic and living artists featured. It also has a 750-seat theater, a cafe, and a special event space for larger gatherings. It also hosts many educational programs, including artist talks and demonstrations. The Museum also offers docent tours and children’s activities.
Located in downtown St. Petersburg near the waterfront, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is a unique destination for art lovers. The building is built around an enormous, sandstone archway, which evokes images of Southwest landscapes. The main hall features life-size bronze sculptures of Native Americans from the 19th century, as well as a waterfall wall.
In addition to Western and wildlife art, the museum features jewelry and sculptures. There are also monthly acoustic music performances. Whether you enjoy western art or wildlife, you’ll find a piece that speaks to your artistic sensibility. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon.
The exhibition’s other highlights include a special exhibition on Black History in the West, a study of the path of Black Americans in the West. The exhibition includes images of the rodeo, as well as portraits and intimate views of participants. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi and includes 50 quilts made by women of color.
The building of the museum is built to evoke the abstract geometric design of the southwest. A nine-story sandstone “Mesa” is a landmark, signaling the entrance. The building includes a cafe and reception desk, which are positioned to the left and right of the entry doors. To the right are the doors to a flexible event space that can accommodate up to 400 people. It can also be divided into two separate rooms for film screenings.
Visitors will also find a selection of art from Native American cultures. For example, the first work purchased by the Jameses by a Native artist is a monumental oil painting, Sunrise Circle of the Big Sky People, which is a dreamlike combination of realism and abstraction. In addition, the Jewel Box exhibit features handcrafted jewelry by Hopi artist Charles Loloma. Loloma is widely regarded as the most influential Native American jewelry maker of the 20th century.
A stunning collection of over 3,000 works of art is housed in the building. The museum’s space, designed by Harvard Jolly and Wannemacher Jensen, is a former business headquarters that has been repurposed with an aesthetic that recalls nature. Call for appointment
