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Dear Friends:
Whenever I’m in St. Petersburg, I like to visit the St. Petersburg Museum. They have a wonderful Monet exhibit right now that I really enjoyed. When I found out that the Museum had arranged a group tour of the art collection at Raymond James Financial, I jumped at the chance.Raymond James Financial, Inc., and the James family are long-time supporters of the arts. This year, for the fifth consecutive year, the company will be the major sponsor of the renowned Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of Arts in downtown Tampa. The Tom and Mary James/Raymond James Financial Art Collection is one of Florida’s largest private art collections and consists of over 1,650 pieces, including original paintings, sculpture, prints, posters, drawings, watercolors, and mixed media. Tom James (chairman of the board and CEO of Raymond James Financial) and his wife Mary own more than 95% of the collection. The collection is on display at the firm’s corporate headquarters in St. Petersburg; and, although it is a business and not a museum, the company does try to accommodate those who wish to view the collection.
After the tour, our group enjoyed lunch in the boardroom, and then we had a special treat that wasn’t part of the tour. Tom James himself appeared and spoke about how he chose the pieces for his collection. We really appreciated his taking the time to talk to us. It was most interesting.
Pat takes a tour of The Tom and Mary James/Raymond James Financial Art Collection from Tour Coordinator Lexey Lee Covell.A couple weeks ago I showed you the beginning of the painting for the small Pennsylvania Convention print. I’m pleased with the way it turned out. It will be titled Peaceful Haven and will be available for purchase only by those attending the Collectors’ Convention in Pennsylvania May 13th and 14th. [This page has been updated with a schedule of events and information about tickets and special prints, including the complimetary black and white print for all ticket holders].
Pat has finished this exquisite painting of a peaceful scene of a covered bridge and a pair of swans for the Pennsylvania Convention. This print is available for $60.00 (normal retail would be $80.00) only to those who attend the convention (two per ticket holder).
Pat has also created a porcelain plaque showing a horse and buggy as it leaves the covered bridge. This is a companion piece to Peaceful Haven (pictured above) and is available for $25.00 only at the convention to those who purchase the print.Marlyn De Waard and I had such a terrific time going to the movies last week that we went again. This time we saw Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp. He is such a brilliant actor! Marlyn and I both loved the movie. I laughed a lot and almost cried a couple times.
I was invited to two Super Bowl parties. I went to both of them, and the food was fantastic. I may have to walk an extra mile or two to burn off the calories, but it was worth it. I have to confess that I don’t understand football very well, so I end up talking way too much. Most people take the game very seriously, and excessive talking is a no-no. I loved the commercials, though! Advertisements are normally a nuisance, but they become an art form during the Super Bowl. Even though I don’t understand the game, I know enough to congratulate the New England Patriots on their victory and the Philadelphia Eagles on a game well played!
Last week I asked you to pray for Ginger Cloonan, owner of The Country Framer in Libertyville, Illinois. I’m relieved to report that Ginger underwent two surgical operations and that they went very well. The procedure Ginger had will correct some problems with her back, and it had to be done in two lengthy and gruelling stages. She is now in recovery. We are all hoping the outcome will be more mobility for her and much less pain!
I’m also pleased to report that my sister Mary is doing well after her stay in the hospital. God bless these genius doctors who can fix almost anything!
Until next week…
Love,
Pat
The Moss
Portfolio
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Mathews, VA 23109
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©P. Buckley Moss 2004