Social Seens... Photography by Gram
The James Museum of Western
and Wildlife Art
The Inaugural Fundraising Gala of the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art took place at the museum in downtown
St. Petersburg and had a New West theme. A gallery viewing of the museum’s exhibit of James Michaels’ An American Pop Life and
a Native American jewelry trunk show preceded the evening’s dinner and dancing. This museum houses part of the vast personal
art collection of museum co-founders Tom and Mary James, who want to share with others the artwork they have amassed from
emerging artists and living legends.
Tom Sansone and his wife Cathy Unruh were
among the many individuals who attended
the gala to help support Tom and Mary
James’ dream.
Order of Salvador
After the Salvador Dalí Museum opened in St. Petersburg in 1982, the Order of Salvador was founded to recognize and honor its
patrons and donors. The organization, which carries on the historical traditions of chivalrous societies and orders of merit, holds an
annual investiture and elevation ceremony at the museum. During the festivities, donors are awarded membership in the order, or
are promoted to a higher rank and are given medallions that are worn at special events. This year’s proceedings were conducted
by Grand Chancellor Tom James, Grand Master Brad Morse, Grand Registrar Mary Ann Morse and Receiver General Tim Bogott.
164 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
Suzanne and Jim MacDougald have Tom
and Mary James’ passion for art and
architecture and were pleased to be among
the gala’s sponsors.
Don and Christine Eastman and Eckerd
College, where he is president, helped sponsor
the Inaugural Fundraising Gala for the James
Museum of Western and Wildlife Art.
Photography by Gram and Noraa
Brad Morse, the Order of Salvador grand
master, and his wife Mary Anne, the grand
registrar, presented the Morse Award to
Pascual Pesudo, who flew in from Spain.
Harry and Joan McCreary were initiated into
the Order of Salvador as a knight and a dame
in recognition of their contributions to the
Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.
Roger Sherman, the original grand chancellor,
complimented Tom James, the current grand
chancellor, on his humorous presentation of
the honors at this year’s ceremony.