Florida Highwaymen: Journey
The A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery is pleased to present the latest in its annual series celebrating and examining the nationally-renowned landscape painting tradition that originated here. Florida Highwaymen: Journey, on view January 9 through March 1, 2026, features works from the original Florida Highwaymen, whose bold, self‑made path was paved by way of the arts. Florida Highwaymen: Journey showcases more than 50 paintings assembled from 12 private collections to give an in-depth view of the landscape subjects that typify this tradition, and are the hallmarks of their homegrown style over nearly eight decades. The Backus Museum is located at 500 N. Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.
Florida Highwaymen: Journey invites visitors deeper into the striking visual world these artists created by focusing on its rich and varied subjects. Revisiting the scenic categories first described in the 2009 book The Journey of the Highwaymen, this new exhibition – with rare or never-before-seen paintings – explores the archetypal patterns the group employed and endlessly combined to majestic and stunning effect. Primed with these foundations and a refining eye, the Highwaymen captured—both in the moment and now for the ages—the natural beauty of the landscape in bold and rapid masterworks.
The Members Opening Reception is Friday, January 16, from 6:00-8:00 pm, with remarks at 6:30 pm. Members are free, and not-yet members are $20 or you can join at the door. In addition, the Museum will offer Free Admission to the public during regular hours on February 1, 13, 14, 15, 21; and March 1.
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery will present the annual Highwaymen Celebration Weekend Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, 2026 during regular hours each day. Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a range of special offerings, including activities outside and inside at 500 North Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.
BROWSE AND PURCHASE VINTAGE HIGHWAYMEN PAINTINGS
The highlight of the weekend takes place on the Museum’s Outdoor Mural Plaza, where people seeking to start or build their personal collections of Highwaymen paintings will be able to browse an impressive selection of vintage works of these artists offered for purchase. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the current state of the art market and to explore owning an original work of art for your home or office.
SEE THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN: JOURNEY
Visitors to the Museum galleries will enjoy the latest in the annual series of special exhibitions recognizing this extraordinary movement. Florida Highwaymen: Journey revisits the iconic group’s vivid landscapes and archetypal scenes, showcasing rare and never-before-seen paintings that reflect their enduring legacy. This exhibition expands upon the permanent gallery’s display of Highwaymen paintings on view, a display which includes video excerpts from the award-winning documentary film “The Highwaymen: Legends of the Road.”
GALLERY PROGRAMS
The Museum will offer special programming at 2:00 pm each day to learn more about this accessible and important American Art movement, featuring:
· February 13: Catherine Enns, Author of Journey of the Highwaymen
· February 14:Roger Lightle, Collector and Historian, Highwaymen Art Specialists
· February 15: Doretha Hair Truesdell, President of the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen Museum
