The Florida Highwaymen recently visited Pompano Beach. There were fewer members of the artistic group this year, but their work was on display. Many of the Florida Highwaymen achieved artistic success by painting Florida landscapes. They were African Americans and struggled to display their works in art galleries. But through effort and talent, they achieved success both professionally and financially.
Doretha Hair displayed some of her paintings at the Pompano Beach Women’s Club. She came with her son Roderick Hair. “I love to paint landscapes and I brought some of my work,” she said. Her late husband, Alfred Hair was considered the first leader of the Highwaymen and inspired many younger painters who joined the group.
Her son Roderick Hair also brought examples of his work. “I love to paint and for me it is a form of relaxation. I love to paint landscapes,” he said. Roderick said as a younger man he would come home for a hard day of work and paint to relax. For him painting was more relaxing than sleeping.
The Florida Highwaymen are a group of African American painters who became known for high quality and colorful landscape paintings. Most of the members developed their painting talents on their own and they often helped one another. They were located in the Fort Pierce area and traveled throughout Florida. They would sell their paintings door-to-door and from their cars. Because of Jim Crow policies, the Highwaymen were unable to display their work at art shows and galleries. Over time, they were able to develop a reputation and people were eager to pay thousands of dollars for their work.
