Highwaymen museum could come to Fort Pierce

Highwaymen museum could come to Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce, Fl (Treasurecoast.com) -Local leaders are hoping that state funding from an African American Cultural and Historical grant could pave the way for a Highwaymen museum in Lincoln Park. 

The Highwaymen were a group of Black artists that originated in Fort Pierce, and were known for painting Florida landscapes. Kept out of white-owned galleries, they sold their artwork along the roadside in the 1960s and ’70s.

Their paintings of poinciana trees, marshes and the backcountry are currently on display at the A.E Backus Gallery on Indian River Drive. 

In an effort to preserve the prominent Black artists’ legacy, former state representative Larry Lee urged the city to apply for the grant, which could award up to $1 million with a local match. 

“I thought that if we could get the city, the county, its new schools and agencies on board and we could come up with a million locally, the state, the way I read it, will match it,” Lee said to the City Commission Monday. “But I think we could do something really nice with $2 million.”

The city originally planned to use the Jackie L. Canyon Building on Avenue D as the future site of a Highwaymen museum. However, that might change since the grant says priority will be given to projects that encourage construction of a new facility or renovation of an existing building.

Additionally, fees collected from a specialty Highwaymen license plate could also be used to help pay for the construction and day-to-day operations of the museum.

A percentage of the specialty plate fees also would go towards the St. Lucie County Education Foundation to be earmarked for art students.

Before production of the plates commences, at least 3,000 pre-sale vouchers must be purchased. 

To purchase a specialty Highwaymen license plate, go to https://pay-hub.net/stlucie/donatelife/voucher. 

While the city didn’t commit any funds to the project Monday, commissioners promised to keep an eye out for application guidelines when they’re released by the state and then apply quickly.