Fast Forward: The Original Florida Highwaymen on the Way to Fame
On view through March 3, 2024
A.E. Backus Museum of Art
Fort Pierce, Florida
www.backusmuseum.org
“Fast Forward: The Original Florida Highwaymen on the Way to Fame” marks the 50th anniversary of the painters’ induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
When nineteen-year-old Harold Newton became inspired to paint the Florida landscape in 1954, his vision, courage, and accomplishments encouraged his friends and neighbors to take up paintbrushes and follow a new path as professional artists. Over time, dozens of individuals joined the fast painting venture that elevated the natural beauty of the Sunshine State and unintentionally founded a movement.
Yet their progress over the decades was no secret. Their achievements were recorded in contemporary newspapers, documenting their work for local and regional audiences.
After more than fifty years since becoming an overnight success, the 26 landscape artists now known as The Original Highwaymen were inducted in 2004 into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
“Fast Forward” presents an exhibition of more than 50 rarely-seen, and never-before-seen, paintings assembled from 10 private collections from around the state.
Find out more about our special February celebration of the Highwaymen here: https://www.backusmuseum.org/celebration
[Image: Carroll, Mary Ann (1940-2019). Indian River Sunrise, not dated. Oil on Upson board, 24 x 48 in. Walker Collection.]
