Highwaymen Art in Museums and Galleries

Preserving the Legacy

The Highwaymen, a group of 26 African American artists who painted Florida’s striking landscapes during the segregation era, have left a lasting impact on the art world. Known for their bold colors, quick brushstrokes, and depictions of Florida’s unspoiled natural beauty, the Highwaymen defied the odds, selling their works from car trunks along highways and in small towns across Florida. Today, their art is revered for its aesthetic value and as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Efforts to preserve the legacy of these pioneering artists have grown in recent years, particularly in Fort Pierce, Florida, the birthplace of the Highwaymen movement. Home to many of the original Highwaymen artists, Fort Pierce is rich in resources for those seeking to explore and appreciate their work. Museums, galleries, and private collections across the area offer the opportunity to connect with this iconic art and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Highwaymen Art in Fort Pierce: Where to Find It

Fort Pierce is the heart of Highwaymen art and offers a variety of venues where visitors and locals alike can explore this significant cultural legacy. Here are some of the key places to experience Highwaymen art in the area:

1. A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery

The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is a premier destination for Highwaymen art enthusiasts. Named after A.E. “Bean” Backus, a renowned Florida landscape painter and mentor to many of the original Highwaymen, the museum features an extensive collection of their works.

The museum plays a key role in preserving the Highwaymen’s legacy by showcasing historical and contemporary pieces and offering educational programs and special exhibitions dedicated to their art. Visitors can explore a rotating collection of works from artists like Alfred Hair and Harold Newton, both pioneers of the Highwaymen movement who were deeply influenced by Backus’ mentorship.

Location:
500 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

2. The Highwaymen Trail

While not a traditional museum or gallery, the Highwaymen Heritage Trail is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and legacy of these artists. This self-guided tour highlights key sites around Fort Pierce where the Highwaymen lived, worked and painted. The trail includes markers at significant locations, such as the former homes of Alfred Hair and Harold Newton, as well as other points of historical importance.

The Heritage Trail is a powerful way to view the art and understand the broader context of the Highwaymen’s lives and work. Walking this trail allows visitors to step into the world that inspired these artists, from the natural landscapes they painted to the communities that supported them.

Location:
Various sites throughout Fort Pierce
Maps and guides are available at local visitor centers.

3. Local Galleries

Fort Pierce is home to several galleries featuring or specializing in Highwaymen art. These spaces not only offer opportunities to view original works but often facilitate the sale of pieces, making them accessible to collectors and enthusiasts.

• Art Mundo: Located in downtown Fort Pierce, Art Mundo is a collaborative art space that frequently hosts exhibitions showcasing local artists, including works by contemporary Highwaymen painters who continue the legacy of the original group.
  Location: 111 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
• Jetson T.V. & Appliance Gallery: An unusual but well-known venue for Highwaymen art in Fort Pierce is the Jetson T.V. & Appliance Gallery. This local business has curated an impressive collection of Highwaymen paintings and offers them for sale, providing an accessible entry point for collectors.
  Location: 4145 S. U.S. Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

4. Private Collections

While museums and galleries are the most common places to view Highwaymen art, Fort Pierce is also home to private collectors who have amassed impressive collections of these works. While private collections are often not open to the public, some collectors open their doors for special events, exhibitions, or charity auctions, providing a rare opportunity to see pieces that aren’t typically displayed.

For serious collectors or enthusiasts, local art dealers or members of the Fort Pierce art community may be able to connect you with private collections or assist in acquiring original works.

Preserving the Legacy of Highwaymen Art

The preservation and promotion of Highwaymen art have become key objectives for local museums, galleries, and community organizations. Efforts to maintain the cultural heritage of these artists extend beyond Fort Pierce, and they have gained recognition throughout the state of Florida and nationally.

Conservation and Restoration

With many of the original Highwaymen paintings now decades old, there is an increased focus on conservation and restoration efforts. Organizations like the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery play a crucial role in this regard, working to preserve and restore the original works to ensure future generations can enjoy them. This involves everything from repairing damaged canvases to ensuring that paintings are stored in climate-controlled environments to prevent fading and deterioration.

Educational Outreach and Programs

Educational outreach is another key aspect of preserving the Highwaymen’s legacy. Local schools, art organizations, and museums in Fort Pierce offer programs to educate young people about the history of the Highwaymen and their contributions to Florida’s cultural landscape. These programs often include art workshops, lectures, and interactive exhibits that allow students to learn more about the social and historical context in which these artists worked.

The Florida Highwaymen Art Show & Sale is one such event that combines education and promotion. Held annually, this event brings together original Highwaymen artists, contemporary artists, and collectors to celebrate the movement. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the artists, purchase original works, and participate in discussions about the future of Highwaymen art.

Documenting the History

Efforts to document the history of the Highwaymen have also been instrumental in preserving their legacy. Books, documentaries, and exhibitions continue to shed light on the lives of these artists, the challenges they faced, and their contributions to American art. Scholars and art historians have published extensively on the subject, further solidifying the Highwaymen’s place in art history.

Through initiatives like the Highwaymen Heritage Trail, the local Fort Pierce community has played a key role in ensuring that the history of these artists is preserved and accessible to the public. This documentation is vital for keeping the stories of the Highwaymen alive and ensuring that future generations understand the importance of their work.

A Lasting Legacy

The legacy of the Highwaymen continues to thrive in Fort Pierce and beyond. From local museums like the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery to public art initiatives like the Highwaymen Trail, numerous opportunities exist to explore and appreciate this unique chapter in Florida’s cultural history. Efforts to preserve and promote Highwaymen art not only ensure that these works remain accessible but also highlight the resilience, creativity, and determination of the artists behind them.

As more people discover the beauty and significance of Highwaymen art, the movement’s influence continues to grow, securing its place in both the art world and the broader cultural narrative of the United States.