The James Museum Announces Fall Season of Community Days, Anchored by a Native American Heritage Month Celebration on Sunday, November 8
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stephanie Adamo
Director of Marketing
727.892.4200 ext.1037
stephanie.adamo@thejamesmuseum.org
Sarah Richardson
Communications Associate
727.892.4200 ext.1025
sarah.richardson@thejamesmuseum.org
The James Museum Announces Fall Season of Community Days, Anchored by a Native American Heritage Month Celebrationon Sunday, November 8
A new slate of special days invites the Tampa Bay community to connect with art through a world-class loan, Indigenous artist demonstrations and holiday fun
September 9, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is thrilled to announce a fall lineup of four special Community Days, one each month through the end of the year. These days are designed to make the museum’s world-class galleries and programming welcoming and affordable to everyone in the Tampa Bay area. Rooted in the museum’s mission to serve as a vibrant community hub, these special days open the doors for residents and visitors to connect through art, culture and shared experiences.
The main event of the fall season will be the museum’s Native American Heritage Month Celebration on Sunday, November 8. This family-friendly gathering will celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich histories and living traditions of Indigenous peoples. Guests will enjoy complimentary admission to all museum galleries, providing opportunities to explore the museum’s extensive collection.
This year’s November celebration takes on special significance as it coincides with the presentation of James Lavadour’s (Walawalałáma) masterful painting, Like Rain. Lavadour is considered one of the Northwest’s most significant contemporary artists, and The James Museum is thrilled to have this incredible work on view through August 2027 thanks to a loan from Art Bridges. The museum has collaborated with Native artists to bring programming that honors Indigenous creativity, including:
- Live Artist Demonstrations: Seminole artist Jessica Osceola will share her expertise through a sweetgrass basket weaving demonstration and informal in-gallery talks.
- Hopi Katsina Carvers: Renowned carvers Cory Ahownewa and Makwesaw Chimerica will be stationed on the museum landing, offering live carving demonstrations and interacting with guests.
- Performances: World champion hoop dancer and musician Tony Duncan will take the stage for two distinct, dynamic performances—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The Native American Heritage Month Celebration is part of Art Everywhere, made possible thanks to a Creative Pinellas grant through Pinellas County arts tourism funding.
Beyond the November celebration, The James Museum invites guests to connect with art and celebrate the season together with three additional Community Days this fall:
- Free Museum Day 2026 | Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Presented by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, this annual celebration invites the public to explore St. Pete’s premier museums.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, October 12 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM The museum invites the community to reflect, learn and explore its galleries with complimentary admission in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Yuletide on the Range | Tuesday, December 8 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Kick off the holiday season with a uniquely Western twist! Cowboy Santa will be on-site for a festive evening of live music and family fun. Guests can capture the perfect holiday photo in front of our spectacular 12-foot-tall lighted Yule Cactus. Note: This event takes place on the first floor and is free to attend. Regular museum admission is required for gallery access.
“We believe that art has the power to connect and inspire, and we welcome our entire community to share in these experiences this fall,” said Victoria Doyle, Chief Engagement & Advancement Officer. “Whether you are discovering the incredible details of a Hopi Katsina carving, exploring the galleries for the first time on Free Museum Day or taking a family photo with Cowboy Santa, there is a place for you here at The James.”
Advance registration is highly encouraged for all Community Days, as space is limited. To reserve timed tickets and view full event schedules, please visit thejamesmuseum.org.
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About The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art provides experiences that inspire human connection and transformation through art depicting the peoples, landscapes, and history of the American West, and wildlife of the world. More than 400 premier works of art including sculpture, paintings and jewelry are on display in the museum’s 26,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum engages the community through programs and educational opportunities, for all ages, that bring our history to life and amplify voices that are not often at the forefront of mainstream Western art. When The James Museum opened in April 2018 it became one of the newest additions to St. Petersburg’s thriving arts community.