One of Tampa Bay’s most talented and beloved artists has collaborated with one of the region’s premier museums to create one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions in years. Ya La’ford’s immersive Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection opened February 15 at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Pete, 150 Central Avenue.
Featuring original works by the treasured local painter, sculptor and multimedia sensation, this is The James Museum’s first-ever abstract art exhibition, and it is La’ford’s largest-ever solo exhibition. The abstract paintings and sculptures are the culmination of La’ford’s recent three-month exploration of the American West, and the results are equal parts awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.
A new immersive art experience by Ya La’Ford
This exhibition features a breathtaking, immersive installation titled “Echoes from Nature: Renewal and Revival.” It’s the kind of experience that compels you to put down your phone, clear your mind, and fully engage with the art before you. I can speak to this personally. When I previewed the exhibit, I found myself returning to Echoes of Nature a second time, just to capture footage of the experience. Within this installation, you’ll soar above brilliant red and orange canyons, pierce the fog above towering trees, erupt from a geyser in Yellowstone, and lose yourself in a vast blue sky. It’s this kind of transformative work that has earned local artist Ya La’Ford international acclaim.
Survey the West is on display every day February 15 through May 18, and access is included with standard museum admission. Inspired by La’ford’s real-life journey throughout the American West, the works highlight the artist’s unique creative vision while challenging the ideas of what boundaries really are (or, often, are not).
In this exhibition, La’ford explores the American West through her signature geometric and linear labyrinths, redefining traditional views of the West. During her time in the region, La’ford surveyed mountains, canyons and other geological features that were shaped over millions of years by heat, gravity, wind and water. The resulting art captures the essence of place, prioritizing color, shape, texture and emotion.
Past and present of the American West merge at The James
“Survey the West represents a bold new chapter for The James Museum,” said Executive Director Robin Nicholson. “A fresh voice for our museum, La’ford has created striking works that invite us to see landscapes and cultures through a distinct and deeply personal lens.”
“My journey through the American West was nothing short of transformative, and I am profoundly honored to unveil this experience in my largest solo exhibition at The James Museum,” said La’ford. “Their commitment to showcasing abstract art not only amplifies diverse voices but also creates powerful opportunities for meaningful conversations that reconstruct our future narratives. Through this exhibition, we aim to challenge perceptions and inspire a collective reimagining of our shared stories, bridging the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.”
La’ford, of course, is not only a star in Tampa and St. Pete. The internationally acclaimed artist has been celebrated the world over. This collaboration between La’ford and the award-winning James Museum is one of the cultural highlights of the year in Tampa Bay. The far-reaching exhibition is one for locals and visitors alike to treasure and enjoy.
La’ford and The James create amazing cultural collaboration
While all visitors are welcome to experience the exhibition on their own, we highly recommend a guided tour to get the full experience – as well as a deeper understanding of the connectivity. Guided tours of Survey the West begin with an exploration of the museum’s permanent galleries, offering visitors a chance to discover how diverse artists have portrayed the American West across time. From there, the journey transitions into Survey the West, inviting guests to connect these traditional depictions with La’ford’s abstract and contemporary impressions.
“We feel this exhibition is both innovative and connected to the heart of the museum, our permanent collection,” said Emily Kapes, Chief Curator of The James Museum. “The layered compositions capture the essence of the West in a compelling new way.”
Learn more and get tickets to see this incredible exhibition at thejamesmuseum.org. Also, be sure to check out special events surrounding Survey the West:
YOUTH & FAMILY
February 15–March 23 | Westward Mural Project with Ya La’ford (schedule varies; check website availability)
March 8 | Family Day: Lines & Designs
April 26 | Mural Unveiling Reception
ADULT PROGRAMS
February 15 | Free Day: Educators
February 15 | Curator Gallery Tour of Survey the West
March 4 | After Hours Sip & See Tour: Survey the West
April 1 | Survey the West: Ya La’ford and Venessa Castagnoli in Conversation
April 22 | After Hours Sip & See Tour: Survey the West
SPECIAL EXHIBITION TOURS
Docent-led tours will be every day from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. while the special exhibition is on view.
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