Highwaymen Artwork to Debut at the Elliott Museum

More than 70 paintings will be showcased in “The Highwaymen: Vistas and Visions" beginning October 20 at the Stuart museum

Site Staff

October 15, 2021

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Royal Poinciana on the Indian River, Mary Ann Carroll. Image courtesy of The Elliott Museum

In the 1950s, several African-American self-taught artists from the Treasure Coast began painting Florida’s vivid landscapes. Dubbed the “Highwaymen,” they sold their art out of the trunks of their cars as they traveled the highways, which led to their nickname. Highwaymen paintings now hang in the Smithsonian, and several Highwaymen artists are represented in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

From October 20 through February 24, 2022, more than 70 of the Highwaymen’s paintings will be showcased at The Elliott Museum in Stuart in “The Highwaymen: Vistas and Visions.” Many of these paintings have never been on public display.

The exhibit kicks off with an exclusive, ticketed preview opening reception at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, featuring live painting demonstrations by Highwaymen artists Roy McLendon Sr. and Roy McLendon Jr. Attendance will be limited. Noted Highwaymen collector and dealer Roger Lightle will take guests on a guided tour of the exhibition. Admission to the preview is $125 and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverages (choice of wine, beer and soft drinks). Several of the paintings will be available for purchase.

An opening reception for the public will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, and will feature a live painting demonstrations by the McLendons and a presentation by Lightle. The ticket price is regular museum admission for guests ($14 for guests ages 13 to 64; $12 for guests ages 65 and older; $6 for guests ages 6 to 12; free for guests younger than 6; and $10 for members, which includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar for wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The Elliott will host an art sale rom 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on December 3 and 4, with gallery walks and presentations by Roger Lightle at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. on February 3, Lightle will deliver a presentation and Roy McLendon Jr. will do a live painting demonstration. Ticket price is regular museum admission for guests and $10 to members for both events.

For more information, call the museum at 772-225-1961 or visit the website.