New exhibit set to open inside this Gem of Tampa Bay

ST. PETE, Fla. (WFLA) — The James Museum in Downtown St. Pete is scheduled to open up a new exhibition named “ Icons and Symbols of the Borderland: Art from the U.S.-Mexico Crossroads .”

“When you turn the corner into this exhibit, it is that mix of so many different viewpoints,” Exhibit curator and artist Diana Molina said. “Close-up viewpoints from each artist.”

Molina was raised about half a mile from the U.S. and Mexico boundary in El Paso, Texas.

“It is a celebration of our border, but it is also those stories. The history,” she said. “Each piece leaves you with something.”

The exhibition features the work of dozens of artists that depict the lives and culture of individuals who live near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Stories are told through paintings, sculptures, neon signs and the use of different materials, like barbed wire.

Themes include the environment, the frontier infrastructure, the sacred and profane and even food.

“I want it to be thought-provoking. I want it to generate dialogue, conversation, different perspectives,” Molina explained.

Icons and Symbols of the Borderland: Art from the U.S. – Mexico Crossroads. opens on Saturday, Aug. 24. at the James Museum. Click here for museum admission details .

ADULT PROGRAMS
August 24 | Gallery Tour with Curator Diana Molina
September 19 | Book Club – A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande
September 24 | History Hangout – Borders, Frontiers and Identities
October 8 | Film – CARLOS: The Santana Journey (2023)
October 18 | Dance Performance and Artist Talk with Melissa Melpignano
October 19 | Somatic Movement Workshop with Artist & Dancer Melissa Melpignano
November 8 | Artist Talk with Oscar Moya: The Maquila Blues Series
November 9 | Introduction to Monotype Printmaking with Artists Oscar Moya & Lydia Limas

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