US Embassy hosts “Florida Highwaymen” exhibit at the SAW Gallery 

by MacAndrew Clarke

For the first time in Canada, the Florida Highwaymen’s paintings is featured as part of the US Embassy Black History Month celebrations in Ottawa. The exhibition began on Friday, February 5, and will run until Monday, February 29, at the SAW Gallery. This historical art dates back to the 1950s and it is recognized as some of the most vivid and captivating paintings of untouched landscapes in Florida. Prior to the event, Black Ottawa Scene had the opportunity to interview Mary Ann Carroll, one of the original members of the Florida Highwaymen, and the only woman of the group.

Ms Carroll described the Florida Highwaymen originally as a team of 26 artists who earned a living selling oil painting out of their cars during the 50s,  beginning in Fort Pierce, Florida. It was challenging times for the Florida Highwaymen since Black artists were denied access and opportunities to showcase and sell their art through traditional means (art galleries, museums, etc.) So, the group decided to take it upon themselves to use their talent and transportation to their advantage in order to bring beautiful paintings into the homes of others. Ms Carroll jokingly describes the group’s decision to pursue painting as a career: “…when [they] realized that a paintbrush and a board was better than a sticker in the groves” (a “sticker” referring to the thorny part that would often stick into the fingers of those picking the fruit). However, the story behind the Florida Highwaymen, and Ms Carroll, is more than a simple cost-benefit decision. It is a reflection of determination, perseverance, and talent.

The Florida Highwaymen are famed for creating a lot paintings (more than 300,000 over a 60 year period) where each canvas was completed within an hour. This speed-painting technique was popularized by Alfred Hair (1941-1970), another original member of the Florida Highwaymen.

When asked about the message behind the story of the Florida Highwaymen, the artist said: “Don’t let nobody tell you you can’t”.  Re-emphasizing her point she stated that: “…you’ve got to be determined” as an artist in order to make it. That said, she, in past interviews,  had said it’s important for people to believe in themselves even when no one else does. When I asked her how such a message framed itself in her journey as an artist and member of the Florida Highwaymen, she humbly replied: “that’s just how I feel.”

            Opening night at the SAW Gallery displayed 30 paintings from the Florida Highwaymen and each and every canvas was inviting, inspirational, and insightful. Being present and observing the paintings reminded me of what Mrs. Carroll said about art: “An artist can produce something people have never seen… Something about art and paintings have a mysterious answer in them”. True to her word, the same was felt that evening.

The exhibit featured paintings from all of the original Florida Highwaymen, and there was an area showcasing a documentary about the members.

About the writer

MacAndrew Clarke holds a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Carleton University. Fluently bilingual in English and French, he has  several years diverse communications and marketing experience from within the public, private, and non-profit sector. He can be reached at:  [email protected].