Being a native of Florida with family roots that go back more than five generations, I am particularly proud of our great state’s strong history and heritage. And, the Florida Highway Men, hallmarks of that heritage, hold a special place in my heart. Beginning in the 1950s, a group of 26 African-American artists called themselves the Highway Men, and set about changing the creative landscape of Florida culture. Legend goes they would paint in their garages and then on the weekend, set out up and down Florida’s roads, selling their works to businesses and hotels along the corridor.

For more than half a century, these talented artists have been transcribing their experiences into dramatic depictions of the Florida landscape. Their work shows what many natives refer to as "real Florida." While visitors’ visions of Florida often include our beautiful sandy beaches and tiki huts, the Highway Men capture the majestic essence of Florida’s equally beautiful inner coastline, palm trees and pathways to a more mysterious, undiscovered experience.  

This weekend you can get a close-up look at the historic work of the Highway Men and meet one of the legendary artists in person. Through the weekend, ArtLink International, 809 Lucerne Avenue,  in Lake Worth, is presenting a Highway Men show and featuring one of the artists, Roy McLendon. Roy will be on hand to discuss his craft and show some of his latest pieces. Opportunities to get an insider’s experience with living legends like The Highway men are few and far between. If you are able to make it over to Lake Worth this weekend (in Palm Beach County, just off I-95), it will definitely be WORTH it.

Consider yourself formally invited to see some of Florida’s most intriguing history up close.