THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART THREE TO SEE: The museum goes beyond glass by featuring the artwork of Louis Markoya, a multidis-ciplinary artist who was a protégé of Salvador Dalí and makes intricate 3D works to marvel at. “ Blue Eye of the Pyramid ” is a glass sculpture considered to be a masterpiece by contemporary Czech glass artists Jaroslava Brychtova and Stanislav Libensky. Try to find your own eye in Anthony James’ “ Portal Icosahedron ,” a mind-boggling sculpture made with LED lights and mirrors. luminous glass garden installation, as well as the spectacular “ Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, ” which was created for the collection. Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement The first museum in the world dedicated to the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at 137,000 square feet, this is the largest museum in the city. The five-story downtown museum showcases pottery, furniture, metalwork, lighting and photography from the preeminent private collection of the movement. THREE TO SEE: The building is an architectural triumph with a modern exterior clad in granite and bronze and an egg-shaped ovoid structure wrapped in Venetian plaster. Look down on the “ Aloha Landing, ” a 1912 tile floor from Arthur Curtiss James’ boathouse in Newport, Rhode Island. On the top floor, George Nakashima’s “ Arlyn” table is a surprising late 20th century addition, included for the artist’s use of handcraft and simplicity. CHIHULY COLLECTION FloridaRAMA Formerly named Fairgrounds St. Pete, this 15,000-square-foot space anchors creative compound The Factory St. Pete in the Warehouse Arts District. The art-meets-technology immersive experience features artist-made installations that celebrate all things Florida. Centered around the “Mermaid Star Motel,” the choose-your-own-adventure experience includes cats, aliens and a mystery to solve. THREE TO SEE: Celebrate Florida’s favorite fruit in the pink-and red-hued, sweet-smelling “Straw-berry Room,” created by artists Emiliano Settecasi and Macy Higgins. The oxymoron “jumbo shrimp” comes to life in the “Shrimpfinity” installation centered around a giant sculpture of a shrimp cocktail by artist duo Felici Asteinza and Joey Chihuly Collection One of only two museums dedicated to the living legend glass artist Dale Chihuly, it’s unique in that the building was designed specifically for his artwork. It’s presented by the Morean Arts Center, and as a bonus, admission includes a glassblowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Studio , located right across Central Avenue. THREE TO SEE: A 20-foot site-specific installation resembling rock candy greets visitors from the street. The collection includes some of Chihuly’s most popular pieces, including “ Ikebana ,” a VISITSPC .COM 59
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