This year promises to be a milestone for The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, the museum connects visitors to the spirit of the American West and the diversity of global wildlife through an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings and jewelry displayed across 26,000 square feet of gallery space. In addition to exhibitions, the museum offers guided tours and a variety of educational programs that deepen visitor engagement.
“These exhibitions connect with visitors in different ways,” said Emily Kapes, chief curator at The James Museum. “We have photography, bold abstract designs and the quiet beauty of nature. There’s something in these stories and works of art that speaks to all of us.”
“And I Shall Give You Rest” © Heide Press
The museum’s lineup of exhibitions highlights a blend of contemporary interpretation and historical insight. From Feb. 15 to May 18, visitors can explore Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection, an installation by Ya La’ford that interprets the American West through geometric and linear forms, inviting viewers into a striking visual labyrinth. Beginning May 9 and running through Sept. 14 in the Earth and Humanity Foundation Wildlife Gallery, Sarah Kaizar presents RARE AIR: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies and Bees, a series of highly detailed, scientifically informed pen-and-ink drawings that emphasize conservation and the fragile beauty of threatened species.
“Art draws us into stories we might not otherwise see,” said Robin Nicholson, executive director of The James Museum. “This year’s exhibitions invite visitors to consider the juxtaposition of past and present, to rethink our understanding of the American West and to reflect on how we relate to the natural world.”
From June 14 to Sept. 28, Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West showcases the work of artist Heide Presse, who examines the experiences of 19th-century women who traveled the Oregon Trail. The presentation combines paintings, period artifacts and historically accurate recreations of everyday items to illuminate the lives and resilience of often-overlooked pioneers. Later in the season, from Nov. 8 through March 29, 2026, the museum will present Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time, a focused survey of Curtis’s photographic work from 1897 to 1927 that documents a transformative period in the history and visual record of the American West.
Throughout the year, The James Museum continues to emphasize education and accessibility, offering programs that engage families, schools and adult learners. Exhibitions are curated to spark conversation, deepen historical and ecological awareness, and encourage visitors to form personal connections with art and the natural subjects it represents. Whether through intimate drawings, immersive installations, historic photography or sculptural works, the museum aims to present varied perspectives that enrich understanding and inspire curiosity.
With its combination of rotating exhibitions, permanent collections and public programming, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art positions itself as a cultural resource for both local residents and visitors. Its upcoming schedule reflects a commitment to diverse artistic voices and to highlighting stories that expand and challenge traditional narratives of the West and the world’s wildlife.