Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Beginning in the late 1950s, a group of mostly self-taught African American artists devoted themselves to capturing Florida's stunning landscapes. Due to segregation as well as additional racial tension after the end of segregation, these artists were originally not welcomed at many museums and art galleries, and took to the streets of cities and towns in order to sell their artwork door to door. Using inexpensive materials commonly used in construction projects, these artists could sell their work at affordable rates, and created large quantities of high-quality paintings that were sold in the hundreds. These artists were called Highwaymen, as they typically sold their paintings along eastern coastal roads like A1A and U.S. -1. Efforts of the Highwaymen have been called “The Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century.”
On Saturday, June 4, the Jefferson Arts Gallery will open their June art show, featuring the breathtaking work of two original Highwaymen, R.L. Lewis and Curtis Arnett. These talented artists made a living selling their paintings door to door to businesses and individuals throughout Florida from the mid-1950s through the 1980s, additionally selling their work right out of the trunks of their cars.
Originally from Greenville, Fla., Arnett is one of the youngest members of the Highwaymen, and unlike many other artists in his field, he primarily uses acrylic paint for his paintings, rather than the more-common oils. His journey began with an early interest in art, and he began experimenting with painting in high school after a school visit from Alfred Hair, who is considered the founder of the Highwaymen lifestyle, and one of the main pioneer artists in the group. Arnett also met Bean Backus and later Robert Butler, both important Highwaymen figures that paved the way in inspiring Arnett in his artistic endeavors. His work features a serene take to Florida living, embodied in images of hammocks, swamp landscapes and cypress trees.
With over six decades of painting under his belt, Lewis is well-recognized for his use of bold colors in his paintings, which he uses to convey emotion and depth to his work. “I use the color to display the mood I am experiencing,” says Lewis. “Bright colors make the meaning clear. Often, I am focused on there being so many people who are spiritually or emotionally dead and aren't even aware of it. I want to wake them up.” His work certainly showcases a mastery of color, and the graceful elegance of Florida's natural beauty is evident in every painting, conveying a sense of tranquillity and peace to the viewer.
Lewis was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004, and his work was hung for display at the Smithsonian as part of an exhibit titled A Florida Original: R.L. Lewis and the Highwayman Tradition in 2003, and her received a National Endowment for the Arts grant for his project “Preserving the Highwaymen Tradition,” in 2003-2005. Today Lewis lives, works and paints in Cocoa, Fla., and frequently travels to schools and galleries across Florida as a guest, lecturer and teacher.
The work of The Highwaymen offer glimpses of Florida that many people will never experience, depicting open spaces, tranquil waters, and wildlife roaming freely, unencumbered by urban sprawl. Despite the hardships they faced in their earlier years, times have certainly changed in regards to societal acceptance of these artists, and paintings that were once sold for a mere $20-30 from the back of an artist's vehicle are now selling for thousands of dollars in prestigious galleries and antique stores. What once began as a group of painters just trying to make a living has evolved into an era in Florida's very own art history, and the 30 year legacy of the Highwaymen has yielded over 200,000 paintings, all depicting the raw beauty and sheer talent of Florida's best.
Come on out to the Jefferson Arts Gallery and see firsthand the beauty and skill of The Florida Highwaymen. The Gallery will be open for a special exhibit opening on Saturday, June 4, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and all are welcome to come and enjoy refreshments as they explore the rural wilderness of untouched Florida. This exhibit will continue through the month of June. The Gallery is located at 575 W. Washington St., and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, contact the Gallery at (850) 997-3311 or jeffersonartsgallery@gmail.com.