The City of Fort Pierce’s annual tribute to the world-renown Florida Highwaymen artists and their contribution to the rich cultural history of Fort Pierce will be held Saturday, February 16 from 10am-4pm at Moore’s Creek Linear Park, at the corner of Avenue D and 8th Street. Moore’s Creek Linear Park is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the birthplace of the Highwaymen artists who are said to have begun the ‘last great American Art Movement of the 20th Century.”
The event will feature many of the ‘Original’ and 2nd Generation Highwaymen artists who will be on hand displaying and selling their art, as well as tribute booths for several of the deceased artists. The festival will also include displays from regional artists and arts organizations, live music, buskers performing throughout the day, an exhibit of area 5th grader Highwaymen Art Contest entries, food and novelty vendors and a Kid’s Zone.
Free, guided tours of the award-winning Highwaymen Heritage Trail will be available throughout the event, by reservation only, by calling 772-467-3183. The Trail’s colorful markers, magnificent public art and informative website help convey the plight, fortitude, entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of these African Americans during the Jim Crow-era. It also overviews their induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004.
The A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery that will host a Highwaymen Open House Weekend February 15, 16 and 17 in conjunction with the Highwaymen Festival. A special weekend sale of stellar vintage Highwaymen paintings by Florida’s most reputable Highwaymen dealers as well as a free shuttle on Saturday for visitors to travel between the Highwaymen Heritage Trail Festival and the Backus Museum will be provided.
The Trail and accompanying website, TheHighwaymenTrail.com, are part of a multi-year project underwritten by grants from the Florida Humanities Council (FHC) and the City of Fort plus hundreds of staff and volunteer hours. More information on the event is available by calling 772-467-3183 or by visiting https://thehighwaymentrail.com.