CCP Gallery Feature Florida Highwaymen
Two of the original 26 African-American artists who painted images of serene, undeveloped Florida landscape during the 1950’s – 1980’s held a gallery show in Pensacola. The artists visited CCP Gallery at 126 Palafox Place, over the weekend of April 10, 11, & 12th. Al Black and Sylvester M. Wells together with second generation Highwayman, A. J. Brown displayed their work described their experiences as Florida artists.
Using vivid colors in their paintings under the tutelage of white painter, A. E. “Bean” Backus, these artists painted in their garages and back yards on inexpensive Upson board. On the weekends they would ride the highway (hence the group’s name) selling their paintings to hotels, offices and individuals who loved their work.
Florida Highwaymen Honored
The artists received appreciation plaques and proclamations from Mayor Ashton Hayward for their outstanding artistic creations.
Disbanded for a while when art tastes changed, interest in “outsider art” revived in the mid 1990’s and brought the group back together. In 2004 the original 26 Florida Highwaymen were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. They are credited with beginning the “Indian River School” and “Backus” art movements.
Long time Fan Meets Artists
“We’re excited to have these renowned artists come to Pensacola to share their artistic experiences and their art,” said CCP gallery partners, Charles Crumpton and Marty Campbell. “My brother bought two of their paintings years ago and gave one to our mom,” Charlie recalled, “our 94 year old mother and my brother flew down from South Carolina to meet the artists responsible for the painting that has hung in her home for the past 44 years.”
CCP Gallery opened in 2014 at 126 Palafox Place, with over 1,100 square feet of gallery space, they provide photo restoration and art print production. Twelve local artists of varied genre have their work on display as well.