Renderings, Details Released for The James Museum

"It’s difficult to create something that will evoke memories of where you were, what you saw, what you thought. I found art had a way of doing that." Tom James

*Rendering via The James Museum

The highly anticipated James Museum is set to transform the 100 block of Central Avenue. Located across the street from the rising ONE St. Pete tower in the former Universal Healthcare building, The James Museum will feature 30,000 sq. ft. of gallery space, 6,000 sq. ft. of museum event space — for large groups and break-out sessions, and a 2,500 sq. ft. indoor sculpture court in a two story stone 'arroyo' with a waterfall. 

*Rendering via The James Museum

On September 26, Tom James provided further information regarding the collection and future plans for the site. The collection will feature up to 500 pieces of art selected from the Raymond James collection along with Native American jewelry, a café, two floors for parking and 40,000 sq. ft. of leasable retail/commercial space. Emily Kapes has carefully curated pieces that will turn that section of downtown into a corridor celebrating western and wildlife art. 

*Photo via The James Museum

Earlier in the spring, St. Pete City Council members unanimously approved a five decade long lease on the property for The James Museum. Tom and Mary James are funding this project with their own money. The collection began in the 50s featuring mostly Florida artists. After a trip to New Mexico and Colorado in the late 80s James began collection Western and Southwestern art. The collection now features works by Earl Bliss, Gienna Goodacre, Allan Houser, Dave McGary, Dan Namingha and members of the Cowboy Artists of America. Nearly a quarter of the collection is comprised of wildlife art works.

*Photo via The James Museum

The museum is slated to open in 2017. You can follow its progress and learn more about the collection on the museum's official website.