A journey with the Highwaymen

Florida’s celebrated collective of Black painters featured in exhibit at Orlando Museum of Art.

Viewing an exhibition at Orlando Museum of Art is a little different these days. But any tinge of inconvenience you might feel about wearing a face mask will dissipate if you take a moment to reflect on the much more significant challenges endured by Florida’s Highwaymen.

Florida’s celebrated collective of Black painters is being celebrated at the museum with an astounding 100 works by core members of the group.

The Highwaymen received their nickname because the racism of the 1950s, when they began their unique endeavor, meant that traditional avenues to success in the art world were closed to them. So they went door to door and through pluck, perseverance — not to mention talent — sold their painted scenes of Florida’s beauty.

“They succeeded because they were spirited entrepreneurs,” writes guest curator Gary Monroe in the beautiful catalog Orlando Museum of Art has produced to accompany the exhibition. “During a shameful and trying time in U.S. history, they rose above a system designed to hold them in check.”

Shameful and trying time? Does that sound familiar?

More on the shame in a moment, but obviously part of the trying circumstances of the present day is the COVID-19 pandemic.

For safety, the museum is limiting the number of visitors, and tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific day and time so attendance can be monitored. During my visit, I saw at most 15 other visitors spread out through the multiple galleries.

Masks are required, and all complied during my trip — except for one boy, whose mother quickly informed him why it was important to cover his nose and mouth.

Signage keeps visitors all moving in the same direction, and for those who need a rest or desire a moment of contemplation, socially distanced chairs are available.

One quirk: The one-way travel requires that those seeking the main exhibition, titled “Living Color: The Art of the Highwaymen,” access its galleries from the side instead of through the main entryway; it’s fitting for the down-home feel of the works, like coming in through the back porch instead of the formal front door.

Beyond the health precautions, of course, looms the quest for racial equality, something

THE JACOBS COLLECTION James Gibson painted “Moonlit palms” on Upson board. It is one of 100 Highwaymen paintings on view at Orlando Museum of Art.

THE WALKER COLLECTION Harold Newton painted this image of stormy weather, known as “Crashing waves along the shore.”

THE JACOBS COLLECTION This painting by Mary Ann Carroll, known as “Backcountry twilight,” was painted on Masonite board.

THE ASSELSTINE COLLECTION Where: When: Register: Cost: Info: The royal poinciana tree is a recurring image in the work of the Highwaymen, such as this painting by Harold Newton. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; through Aug. 16 Book your ticket in advance at omart.org $15; $8 seniors; $5 children and college students; active-duty military, veterans and children younger than 3 are free omart.org or 407-896-4231