Florida Highwaymen at Bay Preserve 2026

Description

From the early 1950s through the 1980s, a group of twenty-six African American artists known as the Florida Highwaymen used vivid, vibrant colors to capture scenes of Florida’s natural beauty. Excluded from galleries and museums during the Jim Crow era, they sold their work along U.S. Highway 1, building a powerful legacy of resilience and artistry. We are pleased to invite you to meet a Florida Highwaymen legacy artist for a special, one-afternoon-only exhibition of their stunning work. The featured artist will be in attendance, with artwork available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Waters Land Trust. Please note that cash or check are preferred, as credit cards may not be accepted. This is a free, drop-in event from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. We kindly ask that you register if you plan to attend. Additional details will be shared via email as the event approaches. Join us to meet featured legacy artist Roy ‘R.A.’ McLendon Jr., who will be in attendance, showcasing his stunning paintings available for purchase. Both cash and card will be accepted, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Waters Land Trust. Guests will enjoy light bites and valet service while connecting with Big Waters staff and learning more about their important conservation work. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the featured artist this year: Roy “R.A.” McLendon Jr. Born in 1955 in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Roy Algin McLendon Jr. was raised in Gifford, Florida, where he was inspired by his father, Roy McLendon Sr., and Florida Highwayman Harold Newton. One of the few second-generation Highwaymen artists, McLendon began painting at a young age and was creating and selling work alongside established artists by his teenage years. His early exposure to the group’s techniques and lifestyle shaped his lifelong artistic journey. McLendon is known for his vivid oil paintings of Florida landscapes, moonlit rivers, and coastal scenes, often inspired by his childhood memories of Old Florida. His work has contributed to the recognition of Highwaymen art as fine art. In addition to his artistic career, he holds a doctorate in theology, served as a pastor in Vero Beach for 17 years, and remains active in music and community outreach with his family. Register at Big Waters Land Trust's Website