A Day at The James Museum
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Friday, February 22, 2019
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Join us as we visit one of the newest museums in St. Petersburg, Florida – The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Located in downtown St.Petersburg, The James Museum opened in April 2018 and transports visitors through the rich and diverse heritage of the American West. We’ll hear from Museum Curator, Emily Kapes, enjoy all the museum has to offer and end the trip with a multi-course meal at IL Ritorno.
Your $100 per person all-inclusive registration includes:
- Round trip transportation from Naples to St.Petersburg with select pick-up points along I-75 north
- Conversation with Museum Curator Emily Kapes
- Three-course meal* curated by Executive Chef David Bernstock following the museum visit at IL Ritorno
“The James Museum is wonderful. I was not initially enthusiastic about Western art, thinking it would be all Remington sculptures and Manifest Destiny. But it is truly impressive with lots of diversity in the types of art. Definitely a worthwhile destination!” Karen Chassin, formerly at UMMA, now a St. Petersburg resident
Itinerary
Transportation departs at 11am from Naples to arrive in St. Petersburg at 2:00pm
Museum viewing from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Remarks from Emily Kapes, Museum Curator, at 3:00pm
Dinner at IL Ritorno at 5:30pm
Leave for home with new memories and friendships following dinner
Learn more about Tom & Mary James – Museum Founders
The James Museum was founded by Tom and Mary James, a gift to the St. Petersburg community and beyond. Through personal relationships with artists and many travels to the American West, they have amassed a significant collection that speaks to their interests in history, storytelling and the human spirit. The narratives and varying perspectives within the art evoke personal responses. While often relating scenes from the past, most of the art was created in our own era. Tom and Mary James share a passion for supporting living artists, especially those who portray subjects of American Western history, American Indian cultures, and wildlife from around the world. Designed by Wannemacher Jenson Architects of St. Petersburg and world-renowned architect Yann Weymouth, the museum captures the feeling of the red rock desert cliffs right in downtown St. Petersburg.
Tom James is Charman Emeritus and former CEO, 1970 to 2010, of Raymond James.
Collection Highlights
The James Museum collection is arranged in themed galleries: Early West; Native Life; Native Artists; Frontier; Wildlife; and New West. The galleries connect one to the next, much like the stories in the art relate to each other. Hundreds of paintings and sculptures are on display for enjoyment, education, and inspiration.
Special Exhibition
James Michaels: An American Pop Life
It’s not all Western at the James Museum! This special exhibition features the Pop Expressionist and Painterly Realism paintings by Tampa Bay artist, James Michaels. Inspired by popular culture, childhood memories, and life experiences, Michaels’ colorful canvases are visually bold and boldly personal. Included in his works are art history references alongside depictions of classic toys and cartoons, showing his range of contrasting influences. This one-man exhibition showcases Michaels’ ability and vision to work in a variety of styles over his decades-long career.
Emily Kapes, Museum Curator
Emily is the Art Collection Curator for the Tom and Mary James Art Collection. Emily’s position includes art acquisition and valuation research, maintenance and handling as well as teaching the Art Tour Guide Class.
Three-Course Dinner Sample Menu
IL Ritorno’s menus vary seasonally based on the freshest ingredients available to them, and Executive Chef David Bernstock will specially curate our event. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
FIRST COURSE
Caprese Burrata, Roasted Baby Beets, Octopus
SECOND COURSE
Short Rib Mezzaluna, Mushroom Tagliatelle, Pan Seared Chicken, Steamed American Red Snapper
THIRD COURSE
Assorted Gelati & Ricotta Zeppole
First and third courses served family style; guest to select one option from the second course
*Beverages purchased separately
