Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Art Displays & Exhibits, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, One Book Sarasota- Registration is required for this event.
- Registration will open on January 17, 2026 @ 1:01am.
Program Description
The Highwaymen: A group of African American artists who earned their living by selling their Florida landscape paintings out of the trunks of their cars in the 1960s. These evocative paintings were purchased by residents and tourists for as little as $25 and are now treasured depictions of Old Florida captured in oil.
Presenter John McCarthy is Vice President for Regional History for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. In May 2017, John was awarded the Hero of History award by the Historical Society of Sarasota County for his dedication to sharing local history. In 2012, John retired from a 33-year career with Sarasota County as environmental specialist, county historian and then Director of Parks and Recreation.
This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming, which chose “All the Beauty in the World” by Patrick Bringley as its 2026 selection. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.