[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise to honor the Florida Highwaymen, a group of twenty-six landscape 
artists who have been called ``The Last Great American Art Movement of 
the 20th century.''
  Against tremendous odds and severe racial discrimination, these 
African American artists were able to define themselves as artistic 
innovators, producing more than 200,000 celebrated paintings.
  The works of the Florida Highwaymen are unique. They developed their 
own individual techniques and captured waterscapes, backcountry 
marshes, and inlets before residential and industrial development. 
Their work--which is now proudly displayed in the Florida Capitol and 
the United States Senate--marks the beginning of Florida's contemporary 
art tradition and the ``Indian River School'' art movement.
  Painting in the era of Jim Crow, the Highwaymen could not sell their 
paintings through traditional channels. Galleries and art festivals 
would not accept their works. The Highwaymen were forced to sell their 
artwork along roadsides in towns and cities throughout the eastern 
coastal roads of Florida. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the Highwaymen 
pressed forward, offering their works at bargain prices to the public. 
Until recently, countless Americans appreciated their artistry without 
knowing their identities.
  The twenty-six members of the original Highwaymen are still alive. 
These men and women have earned their place in history. On Saturday, 
March 30, 2013, in the City of Pembroke Pines at the South West Focal 
Point Community Center their unique depictions of artwork will be 
displayed for the community to appreciate and view.
  It is with heartfelt appreciation that I recognize their legacy. 
Please join me in honoring the Florida Highwaymen for their 
contributions to the world of art.

                          ____________________