Internationally renowned architect Yann Weymouth, who has been chosen as the design director for
the Museum, created this facade for it to project the grandeur of the West with a stone monolith.
Despite Tom’s total dedication to the firm, both he and
Mary are multi-focused individuals with varied interests.
Tom began collecting Western art while he was a student. He
and Mary have been drawn to the works of contemporary
artists, who were inspired by the Western landscape and
wildlife to capture its action and sense of place. Much of this
art was purchased directly from the artists, who then became
personal friends. As a side benefit, the Jameses realized that,
not only were they acquiring art that they loved, they were at
the same time enabling these talented individuals to continue
producing work full time as they followed their passion.
Ultimately, over the years, their collection has grown to
almost 3,000 pieces. It is not surprising that Mary and Tom
have now decided to give it as a gift to the people of the
Tampa Bay area, rather than keeping it private or selling it.
They will do so by building a museum, entirely with their
own funds, which will be open to the public. Their thought
is that its location in downtown St. Petersburg will help spur
the cultural and economic life of this city, where they raised
their family and have made so many other contributions to its
civic infrastructure.
42 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
The Tom and
Mary James
Collection
has almost
3,000
pieces
of art.
s