Wildlife Portrait Exhibit At James Museum Promotes Conservation

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Stand face-to-face with a giant, life-like painting of a gorilla that's intensity is palpable in the James Museum's new international exhibit, "Go Artfully Wild; Artists For Conservation."

Emily Kapes, the exhibit's curator, said 63 international artists submitted work to this project that supports conservation efforts through the purchases of their art. "You get a range of perspectives and animals," Kapes told Patch. "It's a really fun show. And the artists bring awareness with the inspiring portraits."

Walking in the exhibit feels like a safari adventure because of the reality that portraits present such as a large panther splashing in a river, an elephant frozen in fear as it feels threats by nearby poachers and the mixed emotions shown in the eyes of a gorilla who was separated from his mother and years later reunited with her.

A tribute to the wildlife painter John Seerey-Lester, who died in 2020, displays his works that recreated vivid stories from his world travels and research dating back to 1800s African safaris. One example is his acrylic panting, "Tea for Two," based on a British married couple's first exploration in Africa.

Seerey-Lester was a British native who eventually moved to the United States and settled down in Osprey, Florida, with his wife. He was a member of Artists for Conservation.

The collection of Seerey-Lester paintings was donated by Tom James and Mary James of Sarasota. They were friends with the late Seerey-Lester. Friday, the James will present dialogue about the artist and their friendship to members of the museum.

If You Go

The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, March 13, and closes May 23 at the James Museum, 150 Central Avenue. For more information, visit thejamesmuseum.org.

Masks are required to be worn by attendees and staff. Temperatures are taken at the entrance to the museum.