Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, James Penland's art career began as a young man creating murals and yearbook art as well as particitpating in community art projects. Also, an accomplished musician, he performed in municipal concerts as well as a solo trombonist with Barnum and Baily Circus Band. During this period Jim attended Florida Southern College where he majored in art and furthered his art education at Temple University's Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  After moving to New Jersey, he opened the Penland School of the Arts in Atlantic City where he also worked as a boardwalk portrait artist. Seeing a need for the arts in the area, Jim and a group of other devoted artists, formed a gallery. This association lead to the formation of The Atlantic City Art Center on Garden Pier. A masquerade ball attended by over 1400 people cemented the Art Center as a vital component of the Atlantic City scene that is still going strong today.

  Jim moved to Ocean City, New Jersey where he opened 3 stores including the world renowned "Connoisseur Shop" on the Ocean City boardwalk. He was instrumental in the formation of the Ocean City Boardwalk Art Show, over 40 years ago that is, to this day, one of the most prominent art shows in the state. This prompted the organization of The Ocean City Art Center which remains a vital force in the community.