Karen Lang Johnston to Chair Dalí Museum Board
Area Arts Patron Tom James Passes the Baton, Leaves 23-year Legacy
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA (March 16, 2017) – The Dalí Museum, a driving force of art and culture in the Tampa Bay region for 35 years, is proud to announce the appointment of longtime board member Karen Lang Johnston as chair of The Dalí’s Board of Trustees beginning March 31, 2017. Johnston succeeds Tom James, well-known Chairman Emeritus of Raymond James Financial, Inc. and one of the area’s leading patrons of the arts.
James joined the Museum’s board in 1987, just five years after The Dalí first opened in St. Petersburg and became chairman of the board in 1994. He supported and spearheaded the development of the Museum’s new building, now a worldwide architectural icon. James will remain active on The Dalí board and plans to devote more time to The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, slated to open this fall in downtown St. Petersburg.
Dalí Museum Executive Director Hank Hine shared: “Tom James has provided all of us in The Dalí family guidance, nourishment and inspiration. He has drawn to The Dalí our community’s interest and respect. We are immeasurably proud of his devotion.” Hine further remarked, “Karen Johnston will be a valued successor. Her experience with the larger museum and trustee community is the basis of great leadership for The Dalí. Further, this Museum, based in family and continuity, values her history and heritage.”
Johnston joined The Dalí Board of Trustees in 2003, serving as its vice president since 2011. She has chaired the Museum’s Collections Committee, the Committee on Trustees and its Anniversary Dinner Committee. She is a founding member of The Guild at The Dalí, a supporting arm of the Museum. Johnston has deep roots to the local community as well as the legacy of The Dalí – her father, Jim Lang, was one of The Dalí Museum’s original founders. A third-generation Floridian, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Mrs. Johnston worked for local Congressman C.W. Bill Young in Washington and subsequently held several other posts in the nation’s capital, including appointments by Presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush. She ultimately joined the Federal Trade Commission, acting as Director of Congressional Relations before returning to Florida. Johnston also served as vice president of both the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Museum Trustee Association.
“I am elated to become the new Chair of The Dalí Museum board,” said Johnston. “In his many years of service, Tom James left a lasting impression on the board, the Museum, and the art scene in our region. I seek to continue this legacy and sustain The Dalí’s position as a world-class destination for art, education and community connections.”
In her new role, Johnston will provide institutional leadership to The Dalí and serve as an ambassador through her many connections in both the local and the international art community.
Karen Lang Johnston and Tom James
Attend The Dalí Museum 2016 Anniversary Dinner
ABOUT THE DALÍ
The Dalí Museum, located in the heart of beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, is home to an unparalleled collection of Salvador Dalí art, featuring more than 2,000 works comprising nearly 100 oil paintings; over 100 watercolors and drawings; and 1,300 prints, photographs, sculptures and objets d’art.
The building is itself a work of art, featuring 1,062 triangular-shaped glass panels – the only structure of its kind in North America. Nicknamed The Enigma, it provides an unprecedented view of St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront. The Museum has attracted the world’s attention, and among the other distinguished awards it has received, it was listed by AOL Travel News as “one of the top buildings to see in your lifetime.”
The Dalí Museum is located at One Dalí Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. For additional information contact 727-823-3767 or visit TheDali.org.
Media Contact Lorin Augeri | LAugeri@paradiseadv.com | 954.815.2156