A Lasting Tribute: Dr. Phillips Center Honors Jim Pugh with New Relief Sculpture

On October 9, 2025, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a remarkable new bronze sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James Pugh, the visionary whose leadership and generosity helped transform a dream into one of Central Florida’s most celebrated landmarks.

Created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, the piece celebrates more than two decades of vision, collaboration and heart. The relief sculpture, now on display in the Della Phillips Grand Lobby, captures the journey of an idea that grew into a world-class arts center and the man whose determination made it possible.

“Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our vision of Arts For Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey, from guiding the design and construction to building a culture of excellence. This sculpture ensures he continues to always be a part of our story.”

From 2003 to 2022, Pugh guided the arts center from concept to completion, serving nearly two decades as chairman. Alongside his wife, Alexis, he was the first donor to the project, giving a gift that named the beloved Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a 294-seat venue that’s welcomed thousands of local artists and performances—over 1,800 shows to be exact!

Under his leadership, the arts center also opened Walt Disney Theater, which brought Broadway to new heights in Orlando, and Steinmetz Hall, the acoustically remarkable multiform space recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.

The sculpture was commissioned by long-time friend and arts center donors Neal Dempsey, whose support helped bring this tribute to life. Day, known internationally for works such as The Meeting Place in London’s St. Pancras Station and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College, designed the bronze relief to symbolize Pugh’s legacy of leadership.

“We celebrate three powerful forces, transformative vision, unwavering perseverance and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream,” said Ed Timberlake, chairman of Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors. “Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”

Visitors can view the new sculpture on the first tier of Della Phillips Grand Lobby.

Generous support for the art piece was made possible by Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional support from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.