James Museum of Art announces new leader

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art has named Robin Nicholson its new executive director, replacing Laura Hine. Nicholson will begin June 1, with Director of Development Debbie Sokolov acting as Interim Executive Director.

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Nicholson – as the co-founder of the startup Art Museum Strategies – has worked with world-class museums including the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Princeton University Art Museum. He was the Executive Director/CEO of the Telfair Museums, Savannah (2019-2020) and Executive Director of the Frick Pittsburgh (2014-2019).

Founded by financier Tom James and his wife Mary James in 2018, the privately-owned St. Petersburg  museum includes 30,000 feet of gallery space, exhibiting works by living artists exploring the American West. A robust series of curated visiting exhibitions adds to the experience.

Said Tom James in a prepared statement: “His level of expertise and working knowledge of modern museums is unparalleled. I am confident that his vision and passion for reimagining the museum experience and a museum’s role in the community will take The James Museum to new levels of success and elevate how people throughout Tampa Bay and beyond view our institution.”

James Museum Curator of Art Emily Kapes is the guest on Friday’s edition of the Catalyst Arts Alive! podcast.

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