WHO WERE THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN?

The term "Florida Highwaymen" refers to an initially informal group of African American artists in Gifford, Fort Pierce and surrounding areas of Florida active during the 1950s-1980s. In a time where all odds were set against them, they actualized the American Dream by avoiding the hard labor of working in the orange groves, and selling Florida landscape paintings to businesses and individuals along the highways and byways of Florida. Over a span of 30 years, the 26 artists amassed an estimated production of more than 200,000 paintings. Going door to door to businesses and offices along the east coast of Florida, they sold their artwork for as little as $10-$35 each. Now receiving the recognition that they deserve, their paintings sell for thousands.