Echoes of Old Florida: Highwaymen Paintings on View
Fri Mar 14, 11:00 AM - Sat Apr 12, 12:00 PM

Downtown Art Gallery is proud to present “Echoes of Old Florida: Highwaymen Paintings on View,” an exclusive exhibit running from Friday, March 14, through Saturday, April 12. This special collection showcases the work of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of African American artists who broke racial and cultural barriers to share their vision of Florida’s natural beauty.
Starting in the 1950s, the Highwaymen painted vibrant landscapes of Florida’s swamps, rivers, and coastlines, selling their artwork door-to-door and from the trunks of their cars along highways like A1A and U.S. 1. With limited access to traditional galleries due to segregation, they built their own market, gaining recognition for their striking, fast-painted scenes. Two key figures, Harold Newton and Alfred Hair, were inspired by Florida artist A.E. Backus, developing a signature style that remains highly sought after today.
Despite early hardships, the Highwaymen’s legacy has endured. In 2004, all 26 artists were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, and their paintings are now highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
The exhibit, “Echoes of Old Florida: Highwaymen Paintings on View”features works from a private collection and will be on display at Downtown Art Gallery, 400 Orange St., Titusville. Please note that these paintings are not for sale.
The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday 11 am to 3 pm. For more information, call 321-268-0122. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a vital part of Florida’s artistic and cultural heritage!