Celebrating creativity and culture through art

For 25 years, Raymond James has celebrated the artistic talent that shines through associates at the annual Associate and Affiliate Art Show. Chairman Emeritus Tom James and his wife, Mary, believe art was made to be on display – providing reflections of our history, world and innermost thoughts which connect us to one another. The annual art show emphasizes Tom and Mary’s mission to bring art into our everyday experience while also prioritizing the works of living artists and their stories as they build on a continuing artistic tradition.

Associates submitted their best photography, fine craft, two-dimensional or sustainable art to be featured in an online gallery for viewing and voting by their colleagues. The artists of Raymond James proved that inspiration can be found anywhere – in the depths of the sea (Lori Abbazia’s “Friendly Turtle” two-dimensional drawing), in repurposing previously used materials (Tyler Matthews’s “Fueled by Scrap Yards, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Nightmares”) or in the simplicity of human interaction (Joe McCastlain’s “Reassurance” advanced photography).

The 2024 Best in Show winner Zoe Stenovitch, a cost basis associate at Raymond James, began drawing and painting at five years old. She gained most of her painting knowledge from online tutorials and art books that her mother purchased for her.

Her winning 2D oil painting, “Somewhere in the Pond.” took about four months to complete.

“I’ve always appreciated the fragility and beauty of birds, more specifically cranes. I was inspired to capture an image that could provoke feelings of tranquility and stillness.”

For aspiring artists, she shares a piece of advice: 

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, art is fun and imperfect. There is no right or wrong way to create a work of art.”

Art is all around us and continues to be an important part of the Raymond James culture. Schedule an art tour at the St. Petersburg office to admire over 3,000 pieces of art that Tom and Mary have acquired over the years.

Learn more about the collection and how you can schedule a visit.