Orlando Standard

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join city staff on April 3, 2025, in preparation for the "Mary Ann Carroll: Queen of the Highway" art exhibition. This event places a spotlight on Mary Ann Carroll's life and work. Carroll (1940–2019) was the sole female member of Florida's Highwaymen artists, who were noted for overcoming racial and economic hurdles while creating and selling vivid landscape paintings.

The exhibition, co-curated by City Public Art Coordinator Flynn Dobbs alongside independent curators Mark J. Lerner and Tony Hayton, provides a retrospective on Carroll's contributions and legacy. Hosted at the Terrace Gallery in Orlando City Hall, it is the first time Carroll's work has been shown in a solo exhibition format.

"The exhibition celebrates the life and work of Mary Ann Carroll," reads the announcement. "It highlights the City’s commitment to honoring women’s contributions to history and reflects on the lasting impact of women trailblazers in the arts."

The event will officially open to the public on April 4, 2024, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. To attend, interested media can confirm attendance by contacting Andrea Otero, City of Orlando Public Information Manager, via the provided contact details.

The exhibition underscores a broader commitment by the City of Orlando to recognize and celebrate diverse artistic contributions and historical achievements by women.