Orlando Standard

The City of Orlando is set to host a retrospective exhibition titled "Mary Ann Carroll: Queen of the Highway," celebrating the life and work of Mary Ann Carroll, the only female artist in Florida's renowned Highwaymen group. The exhibition will be held at Orlando City Hall’s Terrace Gallery and is co-curated by Flynn Dobbs, Public Art Coordinator for the City of Orlando, along with independent curators Mark J. Lerner and Tony Hayton.

Carroll was part of the Highwaymen, a collective of 26 African American artists who created vibrant landscape paintings while overcoming racial and economic barriers. This exhibition marks the first solo show dedicated to Carroll's work.

Flynn Dobbs expressed enthusiasm about the event: "It is an honor to bring this impactful exhibition to City Hall. Mary Ann Carroll was a trailblazer for female artists and artists of color in Florida, and her life and work continue to inspire."

Carroll's journey spanned six decades as she navigated challenges as a Black single mother during the Jim Crow era. She supported her seven children by painting at night and selling her landscapes during the day across Florida’s highways.

Originally from Georgia, Carroll moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, at age nine. Her artistic career began at 18 when she met Harold Newton, one of the original Highwaymen members who became her mentor. Her style featured vibrant Florida landscapes with dynamic brushwork inspired by natural elements like sun and water.

In later years, as interest in Highwaymen art waned, Carroll diversified into various trades such as house painting and carpentry while also serving as pastor at Fort Pierce's Foundation Revival Center. One notable piece from her extensive portfolio is "Royal Poinciana," presented to First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011.

Carroll's artwork has been exhibited internationally, including lectures at Howard University and appearances facilitated by the American Embassy and US State Department. Co-curator Tony Hayton remarked on her impact: “Mary Ann Carroll was a one-woman dynamo whose love of family, faith, and determination made her one of America’s most endearing and important artistic talents.”

The exhibition aims to honor Carroll's legacy of resilience and artistic achievement while inspiring future generations.

The public viewing is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Terrace Gallery in Orlando City Hall located at 400 South Orange Avenue.

For media inquiries or interviews regarding this event, contact Flynn Dobbs via email at flynn.dobbs@orlando.gov.